PNP seeks info-sharing on field trips, major off-campus activities for kids' security plan
At A Glance
- PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the move is intended to ensure that proper security measures and response would be done by territorial police forces where activities would be held in cases of any eventuality.
- He siad police presence in field trips and activity sites is an added peace of mind for both students and parents in terms of security, safety and welfare of learners, particularly the minor learners.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking information sharing on field trips, training camps and other major off-campus activities through coordination with school authorities that include colleges and universities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the move is intended to ensure that proper security measures and response would be done by territorial police forces where activities would be held in cases of any eventuality.
Police presence in field trips and activity sites, according to Nartatez, is an added peace of mind for both students and parents in terms of security, safety and welfare of learners, particularly the minor learners.
“We encourage schools to coordinate with local police stations before conducting major off-campus activities so that proper security assessments, emergency response planning, traffic management, and coordination with rescue and medical services can be undertaken,” Nartatez said.
“Prevention begins with strong partnership and advance planning,” he added.
Nartatez said this will be discussed with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in compliance with President Marcos’ directive to create a safer environment for students inside and outside of school premises.
Marcos earlier called for a whole-of-society effort to protect students following recent deadly incidents involving minors.
He ordered concerned government agencies to strengthen school safety measures and urged schools to strictly enforce safety protocols during classes and school activities.
On the part of the DepEd, it sought updated safety protocols and increased police visibility after the fatal shooting inside a school in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students.
Police forces across the country were already instructed to coordinate with school authorities in their respective areas of responsibility for stronger coordination and reporting systems.
Police commanders were also tasked to include schools in the conduct of police visibility planning and implementation.
On the other hand, Nartatez added that the recent drowning incident involving Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) student-athletes also highlighted the need for stronger coordination before school activities are carried out, particularly those held outside school premises.
“Every tragic incident involving students reminds us that safety must always come first. We will strengthen coordination with DepEd, CHEd and local government units to ensure that proper security and safety measures are in place for the safety of learners, especially major off-campus activities,” said Nartatez.