Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Communications Office
Bacolod City distributed 200 handheld metal detectors to 75 public elementary and high schools to strengthen campus security.
Mayor Greg Gasataya turned over the devices on Tuesday to Department of Education Bacolod City Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos at the City Mayor’s Office.
Bacolod City Police Office Director Eugenio Rebadomia also attended the turnover, which followed discussions on improving student safety beyond regular police visibility.
Gasataya said private groups and individuals donated the equipment, while DepEd would determine how many units each school would receive.
Bacolod City National High School had already begun using metal detectors for inspections at its entrance gate last month.
The city government was also preparing to acquire walk-through metal detectors for campuses identified by DepEd as suitable for installation.
Develos said the handheld scanners would serve as a deterrent and make entrance inspections faster and more efficient.
The additional security measures followed a fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City last month, prompting DepEd and police units to intensify campus inspections and active-shooter drills.