MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) emphasized that keeping students safe requires vigilance and stronger community involvement beyond physical security measures.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said protecting students should not depend solely on physical security measures as police must also work closely with schools and communities to identify threats before they develop into violence.
“We agree that school safety is not only about guards, cameras, and other security measures. Police can support schools by strengthening coordination and helping identify threats or warning signs before they develop into violence,” Nartatez said.
He underscored that the organization supports the call of Education Secretary Sonny Angara for school communities to regularly check on students and build stronger relationships with them.
Angara earlier noted that Ateneo de Zamboanga University had conducted active-shooter drills in July, but stressed that schools must also monitor students’ well-being and address online grooming and extremist networks.
For his part, Nartatez said parents and other members of the community have an important role in keeping children safe. He urged them to maintain open communication with young people and immediately alert authorities about threats or suspicious behavior.
“School safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents, teachers, students, and the community to stay vigilant, build stronger communication with our children, and immediately report threats or warning signs so that authorities can act before they lead to violence,” the police chief said.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University had conducted an active-shooter drill in July and had another one scheduled for Sept. 1 but on Aug. 18, a gun attack that left two learners dead and two others injured.
