Dumanjug Mayor Guntrano “Gungun” Gica has proposed an executive order that would mandate school bag inspections and ban smartphones on campus, allowing only basic keypad phones. The measure, announced via a Facebook video, aims to enhance school safety following a fatal shooting in Tacloban City on June 22 that left three dead and several injured.
Proposed Policy Details
The executive order includes a “No Inspection, No Entry” rule, requiring school staff to check bags for sharp objects and deadly weapons. Smartphones would be completely banned, though basic keypad and analog phones would still be permitted. An adjustment period until August allows parents to retrieve confiscated smartphones from the principal’s office. After that, any confiscated phones would be held until the end of the school year.
Mayor Gica stated that the rules are meant to keep campuses safe, emphasizing the need to prevent weapons from entering schools. The town also announced additional safety measures, including providing two-way radios to school heads, enhancing coordination with police, fire bureau, and disaster management officers, purchasing school buses, and starting weekend tutorials and values formation programs.
DepEd Review and Legal Concerns
The Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Province has not yet received the official executive order. Schools Division Superintendent Senen Priscilo Paulin said they have requested the document to ensure the policy aligns with national education regulations, specifically DepEd Order No. 006 (series of 2026) on safe learning environments and Division Memorandum No. 240 (series of 2026).
While local governments can collaborate with schools on safety, DepEd remains the primary authority over public school operations. Rules on student discipline and rights must comply with national laws. DepEd has instructed school heads to discuss local policies but to refer major policy questions to the division office.
National Government Response
During a Malacañang press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged the mayor’s intent to protect students but questioned the disciplinary measure of holding confiscated phones until the school year ends. She suggested this provision may need reconsideration, balancing safety with student rights.
As of June 30, DepEd Cebu Province is awaiting the official executive order from Dumanjug. Once received, the Schools Division Office will review it against DepEd regulations. The town plans to strictly enforce the smartphone ban starting in August, pending the official review.
