The Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) is intensifying anti-bullying and school safety initiatives across the province following a dramatic increase in reported bullying cases, according to Colonel Ricardo David, director of the Pampanga PPO. Speaking on Monday, David said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been conducting earthquake drills and active shooter response drills in schools to prepare students, teachers, and school officials for emergencies.
Rise in Reported Bullying Cases
Data from the Department of Education (DepEd) presented to Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda during the launch of the Alagang Kabataan Program on June 29, 2026, revealed that reported bullying cases in schools surged from 123 in School Year 2020–2021 to 3,077 in School Year 2025–2026. David attributed the increase in reported cases, along with incidents involving schools in other parts of the country, to the provincial government's push for the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to assess the welfare of children and learners.
Technical Working Group Formation
The TWG will comprise the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the Pampanga PPO, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), and other government agencies. David emphasized that the drills help learners, teachers, and school personnel remember proper actions during emergencies.
Additional Safety Measures
David also encouraged schools to procure metal detectors to prevent unauthorized or prohibited items from entering school premises. He urged parents to monitor their children’s behavior and seek help if they notice any problems. “The PNP is ready to assist families and schools in addressing concerns involving learners,” David said.
