Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go has called the deployment of only about 200 security guards for roughly 48,000 public schools nationwide "unacceptable," urging the government to provide more funding and manpower to improve campus security.

Go said the figures, disclosed by the Department of Education (DepEd), highlight a serious gap in ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

"Hindi katanggap-tanggap na 200 security guards lang ang nakabantay sa 48,000 public schools. Simpleng arithmetic lang ito. Paano natin mababantayan ang seguridad ng mga bata, guro, at school personnel kung ganito kalaki ang kakulangan?" Go said.

DepEd earlier said it would seek funding from the Department of Budget and Management to hire more security guards after a previous rationalization program reduced the number of security personnel to about 200.

The department also noted that many schools may require more than one security guard depending on campus size, student population, location, and security requirements.

Go said school security should be treated as a basic necessity, particularly because public schools serve millions of learners every day.

"Dapat prayoridad ang seguridad ng ating learners. Hindi puwedeng maging afterthought ang kaligtasan sa paaralan. Kailangang pag-aralan ang pondo, manpower, at mga hakbang na puwedeng gawin para masigurong ligtas ang mga bata habang nag-aaral," he said.

The senator also stressed the need to protect teachers and non-teaching personnel, who are often the first to respond during emergencies on campus.

Go is among the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which increases teaching supply allowances for public school teachers. He also filed Senate Bill No. 410, which seeks to provide a monthly allowance for public school teachers and non-teaching personnel.

DepEd recently launched a nationwide School Safety Campaign following incidents of campus violence. The initiative includes tighter screening procedures, safety audits, and expanded psychosocial support.

The renewed focus on school security comes after the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City, which prompted several local government units, parent-teacher associations, private organizations, and donors to provide schools with metal detectors and closed-circuit television cameras.

Go also suggested studying whether uniformed personnel could augment school security in high-risk areas, subject to existing laws, agency mandates, and coordination with DepEd and local governments.

"Pag-aralan din natin kung puwedeng mag-augment ang ating uniformed services, lalo na sa mga paaralang mas mataas ang security risk. Kailangan itong gawin nang maayos, may malinaw na guidelines, at coordinated sa DepEd, LGUs, at mga concerned agencies," he said.

He added that the Tacloban shooting should also prompt authorities to strengthen guidance, counseling, and mental health services in schools.

"Hindi lang ito usapin ng guards o equipment. Kailangan din ang guidance, counseling, mental health support, at maagang pag-alalay sa mga batang may pinagdadaanan. Kapag may nakikitang problema, dapat maagapan," Go said.

The senator emphasized that improving school safety requires close coordination among DepEd, local governments, social welfare offices, law enforcement agencies, school officials, parents, and communities.

"Ang importante dito, huwag nating hintayin na may mangyari pa bago tayo kumilos. Dapat ligtas ang paaralan, dapat protektado ang mga bata, at dapat may sapat na tao at sistema para bantayan sila," he said.