Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all regional and local police units to intensify support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) enhanced school safety program, reinforcing efforts to provide a safer learning environment for students and educators nationwide.
Directive Follows Tacloban School Shooting
The directive comes after a shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, 2026, which left three students dead and 20 others injured. The attack, allegedly perpetrated by two Grade 9 students, prompted DepEd to strengthen security measures across the country.
In a statement on June 26, Nartatez said the police force is fully committed to supporting Education Secretary Sonny Angara's initiatives, emphasizing that safeguarding learners, teachers, and school personnel is a shared responsibility. Police commanders nationwide have been instructed to work closely with DepEd officials, conduct security assessments, increase police visibility around schools, and participate in intelligence-sharing and threat-monitoring activities.
Focus on Prevention and Community Engagement
Beyond increasing police presence, the PNP underscored that its role will focus on prevention and community engagement. Nartatez said officers assigned near schools are expected to foster positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators while remaining vigilant against potential security threats. He stressed that police visibility should inspire confidence rather than fear, with officers maintaining a professional and approachable demeanor while providing immediate assistance when concerns arise.
DepEd's Multi-Agency Response
On June 25, Angara ordered a nationwide, multi-agency effort to strengthen school safety measures. He presided over a security briefing with officials from the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), focusing on harmonizing intelligence-sharing, improving threat response mechanisms, and strengthening cyber and physical security protocols.
Immediate measures ordered by Angara include a nationwide school safety audit, increased police visibility in coordination with the PNP, daily monitoring of affected learners and personnel at San Jose National High School, and a review of existing school safety policies under the School Safety Campaign. Angara also said funds have been allocated for public schools to acquire handheld metal detectors and repair perimeter fences. DepEd is encouraging Local School Boards to maximize the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) for school safety and security measures.
With law enforcement and education authorities working together, Nartatez expressed optimism that the strengthened measures will help deter threats and create a safer environment where students can focus on their studies without disruption.
