Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed police commanders to implement measures aimed at preventing tragic incidents similar to those that occurred at schools in Tacloban City and General Trias City, Cavite.
Full investigation ordered
In a statement, Nartatez announced he had ordered a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and the stabbing incident at a private school in General Trias City. “I expect a full investigation into this incident that will focus on the circumstances that led to these incidents — from what prompted these minors to do this and how they were able to get these firearms,” Nartatez said.
He instructed police investigators to coordinate with parents and school officials to gather all necessary information related to the incidents. The PNP will also collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop measures for the protection of students, teachers, and other school personnel nationwide.
Coordination with DepEd
Under existing protocol, police officers are not allowed entry into any school unless approved by school authorities. Nartatez stated they will work with DepEd to establish the best security measures to ensure the safety of students and teachers, as well as the peace of mind of parents.
On June 16, seven students were wounded in a knife attack by a 14-year-old Grade 8 student inside a private school in General Trias City, Cavite. Police reports indicate the teenage suspect entered a Grade 5 classroom carrying a kitchen knife and allegedly stabbed several pupils.
Details of the Tacloban shooting
On Monday, June 22, three students—two females and one male—were killed, and seven others were wounded in a shooting that occurred around 9 a.m. in a classroom occupied by Grade 9 students at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, both in the 9th grade and described as “close friends,” are alleged victims of bullying. They are now in custody and will be turned over to the city social welfare and development office due to their age.
In a press conference, PNP acting chief of the Public Information Office Colonel Allen Rae Co said the PNP has submitted initial recommendations to DepEd to upgrade security measures in schools nationwide. “We understand there is not enough budget for all the things we think of, like x-rays, metal detectors, hiring of security guards, but we have alternatives, some of which are closer coordination with the barangays,” Co said. “Maybe the barangay tanods can help them in filtering those who enter, checking our students, so that it will not happen again. We will be able to stop or prevent other people from entering schools while carrying deadly weapons.”
Role of security guards
In a telephone interview, PNP-Civil Security Group officer-in-charge Brigadier General Aden Lagradante said he has ordered regional units to reiterate the role of security guards in ensuring safety inside schools. The PNP-CSG is the main regulatory unit overseeing firearms, explosives, and the private security industry. “I will order that security measures be tightened because our security guards are properly trained. In incidents like this, our security guards in schools can play a big role in helping ensure the safety of students,” Lagradante said.
