The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday expressed support for proposed legislation seeking to establish a nationwide system to protect students from security threats and emergencies in schools.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Senate Bill 2426, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act filed by Sen. Bam Aquino, would institutionalize and provide sustained funding for campus safety programs.

“We support measures that strengthen the protection of our learners. The PNP is ready to work closely with DepEd and other stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe and secure environments,” Nartatez said.

The measure calls for prevention, response and recovery mechanisms, including risk assessments, safety training, emergency procedures, active safety drills, and psychosocial and mental health support for affected students, families and school personnel.

Nartatez said the PNP would strengthen police visibility, threat assessments, emergency preparedness and coordination with school authorities.

“School safety must be preventive, responsive, and supportive. We will continue strengthening police visibility, threat assessment, emergency preparedness, and coordination with school authorities,” he said.

The proposal complements existing Department of Education and PNP initiatives, including the School Safety Campaign, campus inspections, visitor management and increased police patrols.

“Our first priority will be to ensure seamless coordination with DepEd and local stakeholders and to strengthen our police units’ capability to prevent and respond to threats against schools,” Nartatez said.