Marikina boosts school security with more police, metal detectors

The Marikina City government will deploy additional police and Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) personnel and install metal detectors in public and private schools to strengthen campus security, Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro announced on Monday.

The enhanced security measures come in the wake of recent violent incidents involving students in schools across the country.

Teodoro said she recently inspected several of the city's largest public schools to assess existing security measures and identify additional steps to improve campus safety.

She noted that police officers and OPSS personnel had already been assigned to schools even before the recent incidents, but the city is further strengthening security to reassure parents and students.

The mayor also welcomed 70 newly hired OPSS personnel who will bolster public safety efforts across Marikina.

In coordination with the Marikina Private Schools Association Inc., the city will also deploy roving police officers to private schools.

"Our duty is not only to ensure that learners receive quality education, but more importantly, that they are safe inside their schools," Teodoro said.

Marikina has 17 public elementary schools and 16 public high schools, in addition to several private educational institutions.

Teodoro said the additional security measures aim to provide greater peace of mind to students, parents, teachers, and school communities.