TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite (PIA) — Law enforcers will be allowed to enter school premises in Cavite Province especially during peak hours in a bid to strengthen security in learning institutions.
Following their coordination meeting with the Department of Education-Schools Division Office Cavite Province, the Cavite Provincial Police confirmed that they will increase police visibility in school premises, including classrooms, particularly during safety inspections.
Police Colonel Ariel Red, Director for Cavite Provincial Police, in a statement noted that the move to increase police visibility in schools will focus on security inspections, threat assessments, and coordinated safety operations.
“This measure is seen as part of a proactive approach to risk prevention and rapid response in case of emergencies.”
To recall, two separate incidents of school violence were reported in the province prompting the PNP to conduct a full investigation and coordination with school authorities.
Barangay tanods, or community peacekeepers, will also help maintain peace and order around school facilities by monitoring school perimeters including entry points and surrounding communities especially during school days and special events.
The initiative also explored possible investments in additional security infrastructure, such as assessment and installation of metal detectors in selected local schools to detect and prevent the entry of weapons and other prohibited items in schools.
“A thorough assessment will be conducted to determine priority areas based on security risk evaluation and school requirements.”
Police visibility in educational institutions used to be limited to school premises. In its DepEd Order No. 2, series of 2019, schools were cited as “Zones of Peace” which limited the presence of armed combatants and government forces to school perimeters and not inside school premises. (PB-PIA Cavite, Cavite Police Provincial Office/Facebook)