The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all its regional and local units to strengthen support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) school safety program, as part of national efforts to ensure a safer environment for students and teachers.
PNP Chief Orders Enhanced Security Measures
In a statement on Friday, June 26, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force fully supports Education Secretary Sonny Angara's initiatives, emphasizing that protecting students, teachers, and school personnel is a shared responsibility.
Nartatez said he has directed police commanders nationwide to assist DepEd officials in their respective jurisdictions, conduct security assessments, increase police presence around schools, and engage in intelligence-sharing and threat-monitoring to prevent potential security incidents.
Community Engagement and Crime Prevention
Beyond increasing police visibility, the PNP said its role will also focus on crime prevention and community engagement. Nartatez noted that police officers assigned near schools are expected to maintain good relations with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators while remaining vigilant against possible security threats.
“Police visibility should inspire confidence rather than fear,” Nartatez said. He added that police officers are expected to remain professional and approachable while being ready to provide assistance when concerns arise.
Background: School Shooting Incident
The directive comes after a shooting incident on June 22, 2026, at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which prompted the education sector to strengthen security measures in schools nationwide. The shooting was carried out by two Grade 9 students, resulting in the deaths of three fellow students and injuries to 20 others.
On June 25, Angara ordered a nationwide, multi-agency effort to bolster school security measures following the incident.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Angara led a comprehensive security briefing with officials from the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). The meeting focused on integrating intelligence-sharing, improving threat response mechanisms, and strengthening cyber and physical security protocols in schools across the country.
