As part of their civic duties, barangay security officers, or barangay tabnod, are now tasked to thoroughly inspect student’s bags during class hours as a measure to deter violent incidents inside schools, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla said.

Remulla explained that the safety function was given to the barangay security officers since police officers are only allowed to secure the areas outside of the school premises, adding that they are generally familiar with the students, whose families reside mostly within their jurisdiction.

Remulla claimed that children “have this materialistic mentality, when they see you have nice things in your bags it might lead to further bullying.’’

In an interview, Senior Staff Sgt. Joe Ralph Red of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) acknowledged that the safety campus measure involving barangay tanods inside the school premises is a welcome move.

A veteran community police officer, Red pointed out that barangay tanods should first undergo rigid training “when it comes to bag inspections’’ to shield them from unfavorable circumstances.

“First and foremost barangay tanods should learn to properly check the bags to shield them from any uncompromising situation. Using an inspection stick and not putting their hands inside the bags is a must to prevent the suspicion of theft or planting of contrabands among others,’’ Red pointed out.

In partnership with the local government, the QCPD will conduct emergency response training for students and school personnel to prepare them for violent incidents and other threats inside campuses.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier reported 50 school-related violent incidents in recent months with children in conflict with the law.