PNP Agusan Sur strengthens patrols for schools’ safety
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Following the recent shooting incident in Tacloban City that heightened public concern over school safety, the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) intensified security measures in schools across the province to ensure the safety and protection of students, teachers, and school personnel.
The enhanced security initiative includes increased police visibility, regular school patrols, strengthened coordination with school administrators and local government units (LGUs), and preventive security assessments in educational institutions in the provinces’ municipalities. The initiative also seeks to reassure parents and communities that schools remain safe learning environments as classes continue.
“As part of our intensified security measures, under the leadership of ADSPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Yahya B. Yusup, we have scheduled regular visits to different schools from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. These are the peak hours when students arrive at and leave school. Through these visits, we aim to ensure peace and order and strengthen public safety in our educational institutions,” said Police Major Carmelo Malubay, chief of the Municipal Police Station of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
Malubay said the police immediately initiated heightened security measures after learning of the Tacloban incident. He explained that school visits are closely coordinated with school heads and principals to ensure security operations are carried out smoothly and without disrupting classes.
“To avoid causing fear or anxiety among students, our personnel conduct school patrols without carrying firearms inside the school premises. Our presence is intended to reassure students, teachers, and parents that the police are actively safeguarding the community. Police visibility also serves as a deterrent against individuals who may intend to commit unlawful acts,” he added.
For Leah N. Belo, an elementary school teacher and a parent of a Grade 10 student, the increased police presence provides reassurance that schools remain safe for learners.
“As an elementary teacher and a parent of a Grade 10 student, I appreciate the presence of police officers within the high school premises. The visibility of our police officers helps promote a safer and more secure learning environment for students and school personnel. Knowing that my son is studying in a place where security is taken seriously gives me peace of mind,” said Belo.
“Knowing that my son is studying in a place where security is taken seriously gives me peace of mind. I believe that regular inspections, when conducted respectfully and professionally, can help prevent harmful incidents and discourage unlawful activities,” she added.
Police Major Malubay noted that schools with private security personnel have strengthened their own security protocols by conducting bag inspections using handheld metal detectors at school entrances. These inspections are intended to prevent the entry of prohibited or dangerous items and further enhance campus safety.
“So far, we have not recorded any student found carrying dangerous items that could threaten the safety and security of the school community,” Malubay said.
The ADSPPO encouraged school administrators, parents, and the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals, unattended objects, or unusual activities to the nearest police station.
As mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the police reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Department of Education, local government units, and other stakeholders to maintain safe, secure, and conducive learning environments for all learners in Agusan del Sur. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur/Photo courtesy of San Francisco MPS)
