(Photo courtesy of PNA)
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has called for stronger cooperation among schools, law enforcement agencies, and local government units (LGUs) to address security threats following a series of bomb scares at universities across Metro Manila.
In a statement Tuesday, Gatchalian said the Senate-approved Comprehensive School Safety Act would establish a more coordinated approach to protecting students, teachers, and school personnel against potential security risks.
His statement followed the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) decision to intensify bomb threat awareness campaigns amid growing concerns over campus security.
Gatchalian emphasized that community participation is essential in strengthening school safety and preventing threats from disrupting academic activities.
“Sa gitna ng kabi-kabilang banta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga paaralan, mahalagang paigtingin natin ang pakikilahok ng ating mga komunidad sa pagpapatatag ng seguridad ng ating mga paaralan. Makakamit natin ito sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive School Safety Act na inaprubahan natin sa Senado,” he said.
Under Senate Bill No. 2426, the Department of Education (DepEd) would work closely with LGUs and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to develop, maintain, and regularly update a national school safety framework.
The proposed legislation would also require coordination among government agencies to strengthen emergency preparedness and security measures in educational institutions.
The PNP would assist schools in maintaining campus security, while LGUs would support the implementation of safety programs and other preventive measures.
The Senate approved the bill on third and final reading on September 21, with 17 senators voting in favor, none opposing, and no abstentions.
However, the measure has yet to become law, as similar proposals remain pending before the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.
Gatchalian, who authored and co-sponsored the legislation, said stronger partnerships among educational institutions, communities, and police authorities would help ensure a safer learning environment.
“Importante na masiguro natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga estudyante para maging maayos ang kanilang pag-aaral at hindi nagagambala,” he said.
The NCRPO earlier stepped up its public awareness efforts following bomb threats received by several Metro Manila universities.
The incidents raised concerns over the readiness of schools to respond to security emergencies and the need for improved coordination with authorities.
Gatchalian maintained that safeguarding educational institutions should remain a priority to ensure that students can continue their studies without unnecessary disruptions caused by security threats.
