Go flags school security gaps

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go raised concerns over security gaps in Philippine schools, citing Department of Education data showing that many campuses still lack basic measures such as closed-circuit television cameras and metal detectors.

During a Senate hearing on the Zamboanga City school shooting Aug. 20, Go cited figures earlier presented by the Senate Committee on Basic Education during discussions on proposed school safety measures.

“During the recent hearing of the Committee on Basic Education on the proposed School Safety Act, DepEd reported that only around 36 percent of schools nationwide currently comply with key security measures,” Go said.

He said only about four in 10 schools have CCTV cameras, while around one in 10 have metal detectors.

The figures were raised as lawmakers discussed school safety following recent incidents of violence in educational institutions.

Go said the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University high school campus was particularly concerning because it happened less than two months after another fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.

“This is the second fatal shooting in our country in less than two months. The shooting in Tacloban was already alarming. Ngayon naman, isa na namang paaralan ang nabalot ng takot at pagluluksa,” he said.

“Nakaka-trauma po ito sa mga estudyante. Hindi lang sa mga estudyante; tayong mga magulang, apektado tayo dito,” he added.

The senator said the incidents point to broader concerns beyond physical security, including child protection, mental health and responsible firearms ownership.

“These heartbreaking tragedies are warning signs that demand our immediate attention. They expose deeper gaps in school safety, child protection, mental health, and responsible firearms ownership. These are gaps that we can no longer ignore,” Go said.

Go said improving school safety should go beyond installing security equipment. He cited the need for clearer emergency response procedures, better communication with parents and closer coordination among schools, local governments, law enforcement agencies and health authorities.

He also pointed to findings related to the Tacloban shooting, which he said highlighted the need for schools to have clear procedures for responding to emergencies and communicating with families.

Go recently filed Senate Bill No. 2413, or the proposed Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Bill, which seeks to establish national standards for school safety.

The proposed measure would require schools to maintain safety plans and conduct annual risk assessments. It also calls for stronger mental health interventions and standardized emergency response protocols for incidents including shootings, bullying, fires and disasters.

The bill is among the measures being considered as lawmakers look into ways to improve safety in schools following the recent shootings.