Nartatez tells chiefs of police: Step up police visibility, support DepEd programs on student welfare

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police units to intensify crime prevention programs and other efforts to keep schools safe and support the Department of Education's initiative to enhance student welfare.

In a speech during the flag-raising ceremony, Nartatez emphasized the need to protect the students following the recent incidents in Tacloban City where three students died in a gun attack, the knife attacks in Cavite and the foiled school violence in Leyte and Cagayan.

“These recent incidents remind us that school safety requires constant attention and close partnership with our communities. Keeping our schools safe begins long before a crime is committed,” said Nartatez.

“I therefore direct all units to strengthen coordination with school officials, local government units, the family through their parents and community leaders, increase police visibility around schools, intensify crime prevention programs and strengthen youth initiatives,” he added.

For Nartatez, prevention is just as important as enforcement.

“Every school should be a place where our children can learn and grow without fear. To all parents, rest assured that your PNP remains committed to helping keep our schools safe,” he said.

Part of the program that the PNP supports, according to Nartatez, is the DepEd's proposal to increase the number of guidance counselors.

DepEd earlier announced that it is seeking to hire more guidance counselors and strengthen partnerships with the PNP as part of its efforts to improve student protection, mental health support, and campus safety.

"Guidance counselors play a vital role in early intervention and student welfare while the police can help ensure a safe and secure environment for learning. We are committed to working closely with schools, local governments, and communities to protect our students and prevent threats before they escalate," Nartatez said.

In support of this initiative, Nartatez directed all Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) to intensify information campaigns on bullying, child abuse, exploitation, violence against children, and online safety in coordination with schools and local stakeholders.

He also instructed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to expand cyber safety lectures for students, teachers, and school personnel to help them recognize online threats and prevent cyber-enabled crimes.

"Law enforcement has an important role in maintaining a safe learning environment but it is not a role we perform alone. Our focus is on prevention, protection, and partnership with educators, parents, and community leaders,” Nartatez said.

“By improving police visibility around schools, responding quickly to incidents, and supporting child protection programs, we can help ensure that students can learn in an atmosphere that is secure, orderly, and conducive to their development," he added.