GUN ATTACKS AFTERMATH: DILG orders barangays to deploy tanods in schools

National

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the deployment of barangay tanods or village watchmen in public schools nationwide following the recent school shooting incidents in Nueva Ecija and Lanao del Sur.

The order came after a 15-year-old female student was shot by her 18-year-old boyfriend at Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija on August 7.

The suspect shot himself and died while the victim is recovering. Police stated that the victim had wanted to end their relationship.

Another shooting incident was reported in Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur on August 4, where a student shot his teacher dead after receiving a failing grade in an exam.

Another victim of school-related violence was reported in Ilingan City where a nine-year-old male student was beaten up by high school students.

Barangay tanods are ordered to monitor and report incidents that could put students, teachers, and school employees in danger. They are also tasked to manage traffic, patrol school premises, and secure school zones.

The DILG stressed that full logistical support should be given by local chief executives to barangays.

Amid the three separate incidents of school-related violence, Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that actions are being done to address school violence.

“We need to look into our security protocols. Some say we should have CCTVs. Some even say we should have security guards,” he said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel.

“Some feel the police should be visible, but many don’t like having police inside the school. Police chief Nicolas Torre III said he will increase police visibility around schools… The community has to come together to really fight these incidents and look at the deeper causes,” he added.(Marlon Ado Jr., USC Comm Intern)