The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will establish Quick Reaction Forces in regions and cities nationwide to enable authorities to respond immediately to security threats and emergencies in schools, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
The planned deployment follows a series of security threats reported in schools, including incidents that prompted at least two private schools in Metro Manila to temporarily suspend face-to-face classes this week.
Remulla said the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are developing a response system that would allow authorities to act more quickly when schools face threats.
“Nasa plano na namin ni [PNP chief] General Nartatez na gagawa na kami ng quick reaction force in all regions, in all cities to deal with these kinds of emergencies,” Remulla said.
While the system is being developed, the DILG is strengthening security measures in and around schools.
Private schools are required to have their security personnel conduct bag inspections, while police officers will maintain a presence outside public schools. Barangay tanods may also be assigned inside public schools to assist in checking bags of people entering campuses.
“‘Yung mga private schools, may security guards so mandatory na buksan ang bags. ‘Yung mga public schools, may police presence kami sa labas ng mga eskwelahan at meron kaming mga barangay tanods na ilalagay sa loob para i-check ang mga bags nila,” Remulla said.
