Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rodulf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), announced that security measures in schools across Cebu City will be strengthened following a deadly mass shooting at a school in Tacloban City. The Tacloban incident claimed three lives and wounded 20 others.
Enhanced Personnel Deployment
Oriol stated that since the start of classes, police assigned to Police Assistance Desks (Pads) have remained in place. Their deployment will now be enhanced with additional personnel from the Mobile Patrol Unit and the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit, along with assistance from barangay tanods and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).
“Because of what happened, we are intensifying our deployment. Aside from our Police Assistance Desks, we are adding mobile patrol and motorcycle patrol units, with support from our barangay partners and the CCTO to manage traffic,” Oriol said.
Security Weaknesses Under Review
The CCPO is currently reviewing security weaknesses, including entry control in schools and identifying institutions that lack security personnel. The Intelligence Unit has been tasked to conduct the assessment. Authorities aim to prevent the entry of weapons such as knives and other items that could be used in criminal acts similar to the Tacloban incident.
Oplan Pakigsandurot Initiative
Oriol added that schools have been included in the Oplan Pakigsandurot program, where station commanders are instructed to conduct dialogues and seminars involving students, teachers, parents, school officials, barangay leaders, and police officers. The initiative aims to educate all stakeholders and prevent similar incidents involving mass violence.
“Through Oplan Pakigsandurot, our station commanders together with our police community relations officers will conduct dialogues, seminars, and discussions involving students, parents, school authorities, barangay officials, and the police,” Oriol added.
Mayor's Directive and School Assessments
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival earlier ordered police to further tighten security in all schools across the city. The CCPO also noted that most public schools in Cebu City already have security guards, but these will still undergo security assessments to determine their adequacy.
