Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities in Tacloban City are ramping up security at San Jose National High School and other public schools ahead of the resumption of face-to-face classes following last week’s shooting that killed three students and injured more than a dozen others.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez announced the move after he met Thursday, June 25, with school officials, teachers, police and representatives of the Department of Education to discuss the response to the June 22 campus attack by two students.
The new measures include installation of more security cameras, sturdier perimeter fencing, panic buttons linked directly to the nearest police station, and the deployment of city-funded security guards.
The Philippine National Police will also assign a male and female officer to assist with security inspections at school entrances, while more local government-funded guards will be deployed to other public schools across the city school division.
Local officials said classrooms and selected school facilities at San Jose National High School will be repainted before students return, as part of an effort to provide a refreshed environment as the school community recovers from the tragedy.
The city government is also planning activities to help students and teachers transition back to campus, including inviting entertainers to visit the school on the first day of resumed face-to-face classes.
Romualdez said the city intends to expand similar security measures to other public schools under the Tacloban City Schools Division.
The June 22 shooting prompted renewed calls for tighter school security nationwide.
