PNP seeks more school engagement on safety, crime prevention
NARTATEZ (PNP FB)
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered commanders to step safety and crime prevention awareness campaign in the schools nationwide
Nartatez said the move is intended to help protect students from crime, online exploitation, misinformation, radicalization and other threats that come with exposure to social media and other online content.
“Crime prevention begins with awareness. By engaging students at an early age, we equip them with the knowledge to recognize threats, make responsible decisions, and become active partners in keeping their schools and communities safe,” said Nartatez.
The initiative builds on recent awareness activities conducted by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) and local police units which seek to educate students on personal safety and encourage them to become responsible members of their communities.
On July 9 for instance, the PCADG assisted in the conduct of discussions on fake news, anti-illegal drugs, anti-terrorism, the Safe Spaces Act, anti-bullying, active shooting survival tips, crime prevention, and the government's peace and security programs at the San Juan City Science High School.
Nartatez seeks to replicate such a move to maximize the assistance that the PNP provides to the Department of Education following the Tacloban City school gun attack.
He ordered the expansion of youth information campaigns covering cyber safety, anti-bullying, anti-illegal drugs, anti-online scams, and responsible social media use.
“Early education is one of our strongest tools in preventing young people from becoming victims of crime, online exploitation, misinformation, or radicalization,” he noted.
Nartatez said informed students are more capable of identifying risks and reporting suspicious activities before these escalate into bigger security concerns.
"When students are informed, they are better prepared to identify risks, reject harmful influences, and report suspicious activities. Our goal is to build a culture of safety, responsibility, and resilience among the youth," Nartatez said.