The Laoag City government is rolling out enhanced security measures in public and private schools, including the deployment of barangay watchmen and the installation of metal detectors, as part of efforts to ensure the safety of students.

Liga ng mga Barangay-Laoag City President Rbee Ablan said the initiative was discussed during a meeting convened by the city government with the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), village chiefs, and chief barangay officers.

According to Ablan, barangay tanods will be assigned on a rotating schedule to monitor schools during critical hours of the day, particularly before classes begin, during lunch breaks, and before students are dismissed.

Under the proposed deployment, tanods will be stationed near schools in the morning, lunch time, and again in the afternoon before students leave their campuses.

The move, Ablan said, is a proactive measure aimed at preventing incidents similar to those reported in other provinces.

He explained that the security plan assigns specific responsibilities to participating agencies. DepEd will oversee the safety of students and teachers inside school campuses, including the implementation of emergency response procedures, while barangay officials and the PNP will secure the areas surrounding schools.

The city government, meanwhile, will provide logistical support to both the barangays and law enforcement personnel to help implement the security program.

Ablan noted that the expanded role of barangay tanods is in line with a recently approved city ordinance authorizing the hiring of additional watchmen, whose responsibilities include monitoring schools and helping ensure the safety of children.

He added that concerns were raised regarding the welfare of barangay tanods who may be injured or harmed while performing their duties. In response, the city government committed to providing insurance coverage and extending assistance whenever necessary.

As an added layer of security, Ablan said the city plans to provide two metal detectors for each school to screen students' bags before they enter their campuses.

The strengthened security measures form part of Laoag City's broader effort to enhance campus safety through the coordinated efforts of the city government, DepEd, the PNP, and barangay officials ahead of the opening of classes.