Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday expressed support for a proposal to implement mandatory bag inspections in schools nationwide.

The proposal is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen measures that ensure the safety and security of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Nartatez said mandatory bag inspections could help prevent deadly weapons and other prohibited items from being brought onto school campuses.

"The PNP fully supports the strengthening of security protocols in schools to ensure the safety of students and teachers following recent threats of violence," Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP is ready to assist in implementing the policy once it is finalized by the appropriate authorities.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is studying the proposal following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students.

Education officials said mandatory bag inspections are among several security measures being considered to prevent similar incidents.

DepEd also noted that the size of schools will be considered before implementing the policy, as larger campuses may face logistical challenges because of the volume of students entering school grounds.

"Our personnel can assist in enforcing these policies once they have been finalized and approved by the concerned authorities," Nartatez said.

He assured the public that the PNP will continue to work closely with the education sector to strengthen campus security.

"The PNP will continue to coordinate with school officials across the country to further strengthen campus safety measures and security protocols," he said.