PNP, DepEd Bolster School Violence Monitoring

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday flagged an increase in supposed threats against schools across the country. “We do acknowledge the public’s concern about recent events, especially in our schools. We are actively working with the school authorities, the local governments and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of our school children,” said PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co. “We noticed there is an increase of threats that are being done,” he added, but did not provide data. This came after reports circulated online that a shooting incident had taken place inside Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City on Thursday. The school clarified that students heard a loud banging sound from a construction site nearby and mistook the sound for gunshots and claims began circulating through alarming messages on Facebook. Discussions of public concern over school safety were renewed when two suspects opened fire inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City last June, killing three students and injuring 20 others. At the same time, the Department of Education (DepEd) called on schools to make use of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) as platforms to discuss student concerns and promote their welfare as part of efforts to prevent incidents of violence. In a statement, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ”Sonny” Angara encouraged schools to strengthen communication between parents and teachers by conducting general assemblies and regular meetings with PTAs. He said these gatherings can serve as opportunities to “discuss learner attendance and behavior, identify learners who may require additional support and reinforce positive discipline, antibullying efforts, responsible digital citizenship and mental health awareness.” “Schools cannot do this alone. Parents cannot do this alone. All of us are responsible for the safety of our children and the PTA is one of the most important bridges that connects the family, school and community in caring for the welfare of every student,” Angara said. He noted that schools may be guided by DepEd Order No. 13, series of 2022, which provides for the omnibus guidelines on the regulation of operations of PTAs. INQ