Metal detectors to be required in schools under new safety push after Tacloban incident

Local

SCHOOLS across the Philippines are set to undergo tighter security and stronger child protection measures, including the use of metal detectors and expanded surveillance systems, after a fatal shooting in Tacloban City prompted a nationwide response.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a comprehensive school safety campaign aimed at reinforcing prevention, reporting, response, and intervention systems in campuses nationwide.

The initiative brings together schools, parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders in an effort to address bullying, strengthen campus security, and ensure timely support for learners and school personnel.

The rollout was announced by Education Secretary Sonny Angara following the deadly shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

“We are moving with urgency because protecting our children is our absolute priority, and as President Bongbong Marcos always emphasizes, our schools must strictly remain safe zones for learning,” Angara said in a Philstar report.

“We will not let our students be put at risk,” he added.

Under the new framework, all schools will be required to implement multiple security layers. These include the mandatory use of handheld metal detectors, stricter visitor screening procedures, routine bag inspections, installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and the strategic deployment of security personnel across campuses.

In addition to security hardware and protocols, public schools are undergoing safety audits to assess infrastructure conditions such as perimeter fencing, entry and exit points, lighting, and emergency exits. The goal is to identify vulnerable areas and implement targeted improvements.

DepEd has also ordered the reorientation of school officials on child protection policies, including guidelines for maintaining safe learning environments, provisions under the Anti-Bullying Act, and existing safeguarding mechanisms. Schools are likewise reviewing internal procedures for reporting, investigation, referral, and intervention in child protection cases.

Coordination between education offices and other agencies is also being strengthened. Schools Division Offices are working closely with the Philippine National Police, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health to align safety protocols and response systems.

Schools have been directed to engage student leaders and parent-teacher associations to surface concerns such as bullying, cyberbullying, and reporting barriers. The initiative also calls for confidential reporting channels and the rollout of digital citizenship and online safety programs suited for students.(MyTVCebu)