Following a school shooting in Tacloban City, Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Arturo Bayocot announced that the regional office will convene an emergency management committee (mancom) meeting to review and strengthen security and moral education in schools across Central Visayas.
Emergency Meeting Details
The mancom meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, and will be attended by schools division superintendents and school heads from the region. According to Bayocot, the meeting will focus on tightening the implementation of DepEd policies and programs, particularly values education and child protection measures within campuses.
Governor Expresses Concern
Meanwhile, Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed grave concern over student safety during her State of the Region Address on June 24, 2026. She stated that she is already working to strengthen school security in the province through coordination with regional education officials.
To prevent a similar incident in Cebu, Baricuatro plans to convene the Provincial Peace and Order Council to draft stricter security protocols within campuses. The governor will also meet with provincial DepEd directors and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to hear parents' concerns and align joint strategies for student safety.
“We need to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for our children,” Baricuatro said.
Increased Police Presence
The provincial government will also coordinate with the police to increase patrols and police presence around schools during regular class hours.
