METRO
2026 Bar examinations’ security intensified
Personnel and resources are being deployed to cover 15 local testing centers, comprising seven in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed units nationwide Thursday to implement strict security measures to safeguard the 2026 Bar examinations taking place this month.
Personnel and resources are being deployed to cover 15 local testing centers, comprising seven in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.
The three-day licensure exams are scheduled for 6, 9 and 13 September.
“This is an important event for the legal community that requires police presence and attention,” Nartatez said, citing the operations align with orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to secure major public gatherings.
Police units will coordinate with local traffic authorities to manage expected road congestion around the 15 host schools.
Operations will cover examinees, attending family members, and law student support groups conducting traditional “bar ops” outside test venues.
While intelligence monitoring has detected no specific security threats targeting the examinations, Nartatez assured that high-visibility patrols and strict monitoring protocols will remain active around key locations throughout the testing period.