MANILA — Schools across the Philippines are reviewing and strengthening security protocols following a series of violent incidents involving students, prompting education authorities, police officials and local governments to reassess campus safety measures.
The latest review efforts follow a deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, where two students allegedly opened fire on campus. Philippine authorities said three students were killed and multiple others were injured. The incident triggered nationwide concern and prompted calls for tighter security procedures in schools.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation after the attack, while the Department of Education (DepEd) classified the incident as a “high-alert situation” and deployed officials to coordinate with school authorities and law enforcement. “The safety, security, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our highest priority,” DepEd said in a statement.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has begun a comprehensive review of existing school security measures. At a briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the police chief had ordered a review of campus protocols and was considering active-shooter simulation exercises, tighter access controls and expanded emergency-response training for students and teachers.
Local education authorities have already begun implementing additional safeguards. In Mandaue City, school officials ordered stricter enforcement of security procedures, including bag inspections, identity verification and the use of metal detectors where available. Officials said schools were also coordinating more closely with police, local governments and community leaders to improve campus security.
Similar measures have been introduced elsewhere. Education officials in Dumaguete City intensified security at school entrances, while Quezon City authorities convened emergency meetings this week to strengthen protections for students, teachers and school personnel.
The reviews come after other recent incidents raised concerns about school safety. Earlier this month, a stabbing at a school in Cavite injured several elementary students, leading police to urge educational institutions nationwide to strictly enforce internal security measures. Authorities said they were investigating how the suspect brought a weapon onto campus.
The debate over school safety has also drawn differing views. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines called for a “systematic review” of supervision, security staffing and campus conditions. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers cautioned against relying primarily on increased police presence, arguing that schools also need more counselors, mental-health services and student support programs.
As of Friday, education officials, police agencies and local governments continued to review existing protocols. Authorities said additional recommendations may be issued as investigations into recent incidents proceed and assessments of school security measures are completed.
