More Cebu LGUs beef up school security

Local

MORE local government units (LGUs) in Cebu Province are beefing up their security measures in schools following the tragic shooting at a school in Tacloban City.

In Mandaue City, the Local School Board is looking into installing additional CCTV cameras and using handheld metal detectors during inspections upon entry to school premises.

The LGU is also strengthening its live monitoring system in both public and private schools for faster communication and emergency response.

The Mandaue City Police Office has also deployed its personnel to 48 schools for enhanced police visibility and timely response in case of emergencies.

During an mergency meeting called by Mayor Jonkie Ouano, the conduct of symposiums for parents was also discussed as part of promoting positive parenting and effective communication with their children, as well as conducting self-defense orientation and safety awareness programs for all students in public and private schools in Mandaue.

In San Remigio, the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) held an urgent meeting to address these concerns and implement security measures in schools.

The same action is being taken by the LGU of Moalboal.

Mayor Inocentes Cabaron, together with Moalboal Police Station Chief Police Maj. Genesis Aniversario, met with public and private high school officials to discuss campus security, emergency preparedness, and violence prevention.

The local PNP presented active shooter response protocols and urged schools to update their safety plans, conduct regular drills, enhance security, monitor student behavior, and strengthen coordination with parents and guardians.

Daanbantayan Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. also issued a memorandum directing all public and private elementary and high schools in the town to beef up their security.

He directed increased police visibility and patrols around schools, regular security inspections, routine bag inspections at entry points, and the strict enforcement of existing school safety protocols.

At the Capitol, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has issued an executive order establishing the Cebu Safe Schools Program, setting uniform policies to prevent violence, enhance emergency response, and provide mental health services to all schools in the province.

Among the security measures provided in the order is the establishment of an anti-bullying hotline.

More than 2,500 security personnel have also been deployed to 1,567 schools in Cebu Province to ensure the safety of students and teachers.(MyTVCebu)