DepEd Orders Stricter School Safety Measures After Shooting
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has instructed all schools nationwide to strengthen safety protocols and violence prevention efforts following a shooting incident that wounded two students in Nueva Ecija. The call for stronger safeguards aims to protect learners and staff within the school environment.
On August 7, a Grade 10 student at Santa Rosa Integrated School and her 18-year-old alleged former boyfriend were critically injured after a shooting inside their classroom. The suspect reportedly shot the girl before turning the gun on himself. Both victims were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Strict Enforcement of Safety Measures Across Schools
In a memorandum issued the next day, Education Secretary Sonny Angara reminded regional directors, school division superintendents, and school leaders to adhere closely to DepEd’s policies on child protection and school safety. He emphasized the importance of banning deadly weapons on school grounds as part of these efforts.
According to DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, the Child Protection Policy prohibits all learners and personnel from engaging in violence or bringing prohibited items such as firearms, drugs, alcohol, and harmful materials into schools. This directive aims to create a secure learning environment free from threats and abuse.
Key Safety Actions to Implement
Secretary Angara also highlighted DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2024, which reinforces the responsibility of schools to maintain safe and secure environments under the revised School-Based Management System. He called for coordinated action to promote peace, respect, and accountability within school communities.
To achieve this, DepEd ordered all local offices and schools to:
- Enforce strict security checks, including inspecting belongings upon school entry, increasing security personnel visibility, and controlling access points.
- Ban firearms and other forbidden items from school premises for everyone entering the campus.
- Strengthen policies and reporting systems to address child abuse, bullying, discrimination, and gender-related violence.
- Provide responsive learner support services focused on mental health, youth development, and psychosocial well-being.
- Coordinate closely with local government units, barangay officials, and the Philippine National Police to monitor external risks and enhance safety.
- Develop localized safety plans and contingency protocols tailored to each school’s needs.
- Promote activities that protect and improve the welfare of learners, staff, and stakeholders.
Building Safe and Nurturing School Environments
Secretary Angara urged all stakeholders to work together to keep schools safe and supportive places for students to grow and learn. “DepEd urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, secure, and nurturing spaces for every learner,” he said.
These measures come as part of the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering peaceful and protected educational settings across the Philippines.
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