Department of Education (DepEd) school communities across Zamboanga City are strengthening campus security and psychosocial support measures following a recent incident in the city, in line with Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s directive to ensure safe learning environments.
The heightened response follows Secretary Angara’s visit to Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Wednesday to offer support and assess security concerns. During a coordination meeting on Thursday, DepEd Region IX Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo met with school heads and reiterated Angara’s urgent directive to tighten security protocols while prioritizing the mental health and psychosocial welfare of learners and school personnel.
“Hindi natin hahayaang malagay sa panganib ang ating mga mag-aaral. Under the mandate of President Bongbong Marcos, our top priority is to make our schools safe havens for learning,” Angara previously emphasized. “Kaya lalo nating hihigpitan ang koordinasyon sa ating mga partner at stakeholder—from local officials to law enforcement—to ensure that our children can learn without fear.”
On Thursday, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla also visited Ateneo de Zamboanga University to reinforce inter-agency support measures.
Firmo highlighted the importance of collaborative governance in engaging parents, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, and community partners to strengthen protective measures within school grounds.
Among the measures being implemented are early threat monitoring, sustained police visibility around school perimeters, stricter campus access controls, and the provision of metal detectors in schools. These efforts are aligned with the DepEd Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) and existing child protection policies.
Firmo also personally visited Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (MCLNHS) after the school received online threats, ensuring immediate intervention in coordination with school officials, learners, and their parents.
DepEd warned the public against making prank threats against schools and spreading unverified reports, stressing that such irresponsible actions can cause panic, disrupt classes, and carry serious legal consequences.
The Department also reminded parents, guardians, and gun owners to observe strict household gun safety and responsible firearm ownership to prevent unauthorized access by minors and protect children both at home and in schools.
School leaders across Zamboanga City expressed their commitment to implementing the strengthened security protocols and fostering supportive learning environments.
Eileen Pearl P. Aca-ac, Principal III of Lumbangan Integrated School, stressed the importance of heightened vigilance.
“As a school principal, it’s an eye-opener that we have to double our efforts to secure our learners, and we have to be cognizant that if we see even a small problem, we already have to take action on that before they escalate,” Aca-ac said.
Raymond Zapanta, Principal II of Lunzuran Elementary School, emphasized that safety is essential to effective learning.
“We are reminded that a safe and supportive environment is a fundamental requirement for effective learning. We must continue strengthening our system for prevention, preparedness, child protection, and the overall wellbeing of our learners and teachers,” Zapanta said.
Maribel F. Bernardo, Principal II of Maasin Integrated School, highlighted the importance of community collaboration and emotional support.
“We have open communication with parents, other stakeholders, and police stations to help us in case of an emergency. In the classroom, teachers give activities that are aligned with their lesson to check on the learners’ emotional state,” Bernardo said.
In response to the incident, DepEd immediately deployed personnel to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial support sessions to affected learners, parents, and school personnel in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) under a whole-of-nation approach.
Through sustained multisectoral engagement and shared governance, DepEd remains committed to implementing holistic and preventive measures to protect learners, teachers, and personnel and keep schools safe nationwide.
