PNP Supports New School Safety Task Force After South Cotabato Shooting

Sep 20, 2026

85 min

Sep 20, 2026 08:31

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

## Joint Task Force for School Safety

Following a tragic shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for a proposed Joint School Safety Task Force. This initiative, suggested by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, aims to enhance security measures in schools across the nation. The task force will involve the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the PNP.

## President Marcos' Directive

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed these departments to investigate the recent incident and review current safety protocols. The goal is to identify weaknesses and propose effective strategies to prevent future violence in educational institutions.

## Task Force Objectives

The task force will conduct security audits at public schools, focusing on access control, threat reporting, and emergency response. These audits will help develop tailored safety measures at various administrative levels. The PNP has committed to joining the task force once it is operational.

## Role of Barangay Tanods

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. suggested utilizing barangay tanods, or village watchers, as additional security personnel in schools. With over 42,000 barangays in the country, this approach could significantly bolster school safety.

## International Insights

The PNP plans to incorporate security practices from other countries, as discussed at the recent ASEANAPOL conference. These include restrictions on gadgets and other preventive measures.

## Cybersecurity and Coordination

The PNP is also enhancing its efforts against online threats, with the Anti-Cybercrime Group focusing on monitoring and addressing cyber-related risks. In Metro Manila, the police are strengthening collaboration with local authorities and school officials to ensure a coordinated response to potential threats.

## DepEd's Continued Efforts...

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