Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. on Tuesday directed police offices nationwide to replicate proven measures that strengthen security in schools. 

He said this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to strengthen public safety measures and ensure the protection of students and teachers in learning institutions. 

“School safety is a continuously evolving challenge and on the part of the PNP, our assistance extends to coming up with efficient security measures, including the best practices that should be replicated to ensure the protection and welfare of the learners,” Nartatez said. 

He stressed that police units should take preventive measures instead of waiting for security threats to escalate.

The PNP is particularly focused on keeping schools safe amid previous incidents that have raised concerns over the security of students and teachers. 

“Let us be proactive. We do not want another attack to disrupt the security situation in our schools,” the top cop added. 

One of the initiatives being highlighted by the PNP is the revitalized security coverage program of the Cebu City Police Office.

The program includes foot patrols, mobile patrols, and regular visits to schools to strengthen police presence and help deter possible threats. 

Under the program, police officers are also tasked to coordinate with school principals and teachers.

The coordination is intended to identify security concerns and strengthen existing safety measures within and around school premises. 

Nartatez said the initiative reminded him of the programs he initiated when he was still a junior officer wherein he pushed for good relationship between the police and the school community through presence in some activities that include flag-raising ceremonies. 

He added that schools must remain safe havens for children, underscoring the importance of preventing hostilities from reaching learning institutions where students and teachers should be able to study and work without fear and their their coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) also continues to improve efforts to ensure school safety.