THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it is looking to enhance collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) by encouraging weekly police participation in school flag-raising ceremonies and educational activities as part of efforts to promote safer campuses.
“Our goal is not to police the classroom but to build trust and provide a sense of security,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.
“When students regularly see police officers during flag ceremonies and school activities, they are reminded that law enforcement is part of the community, and that police are always ready to help,” he said.
The proposal came after the June 22 shooting incident inside a school in Tacloban City that resulted in the deaths of three students and the wounding of 20 more.
Nartatez said regular police visibility can serve as both a deterrent and a bridge between law enforcers and the youth.
Police officers who participate in flag ceremonies often help lead students in reciting the “Panatang Makabayan” and engage with learners before returning to their regular assignments, he said.
Nartatez clarified that the initiative does not involve routine patrols inside school grounds. Instead, the PNP is looking to strengthen coordination with DepEd officials, school administrators and local government units to institutionalize voluntary police participation in school safety activities while respecting the learning environment and the authority of school officials.
“Visibility can discourage criminal acts but more importantly, it encourages students to approach us, report concerns early and become partners in keeping their schools safe,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez said the PNP will continue discussions with DepEd and other stakeholders to explore practical measures for improving campus safety.
The Philippine Army (PA), meanwhile, expressed willingness to support the PNP in police security efforts when called upon by proper authorities.
“The PA’s role, if required, will be in support of the PNP and other civilian agencies, in accordance with the existing laws,” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
Dema-ala acknowledged that the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and order, including securing schools against threats, rests with the PNP.
