PNP backs school safety task force with DepED, DILG after South Cotabato school shooting

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for a proposed Joint School Safety Task Force alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the wake of a school shooting in South Cotabato. The incident, which occurred on September 18 at Banga National High School, resulted in three fatalities, including the 16-year-old gunman, and six injuries.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara proposed the task force, which would be formed with the DILG and PNP, following an order from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to submit a report on existing safety measures and identify gaps. The task force would conduct site-specific security audits, focusing on physical access control, threat reporting mechanisms, emergency response protocols, and coordination with local law enforcement.

The PNP, led by Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., is ready to join the task force and suggested utilizing barangay tanods (village watchers) as additional resources for school security. The PNP also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination against cyber threats, particularly those promoting or glorifying violence. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) pledged to enhance collaboration with local government units, school administrators, security personnel, and other stakeholders in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) committed to conducting thorough security assessments at each school, examining access control, threat reporting, emergency response, and coordination with law enforcement. DepEd will also review existing safety measures and strengthen or supplement any necessary measures to ensure student safety.