Iloilo City ramps up school security after Tacloban shooting
By Manny Regalado Alcalde
In response to a recent deadly shooting at a school in Tacloban City, authorities in Iloilo City have intensified security protocols across local educational institutions.
Starting Tuesday, June 23, officers from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) were deployed to various schools to assist with stringent security checks. The heightened police presence aims to reassure students and staff while deterring potential threats.
“The safety and security of our learners, teachers, and school personnel remain a shared responsibility,” stated ICPO Director Col. Wilbert Parilla. “Through strong collaboration and proactive measures, we can prevent incidents and ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning,” added Parilla.
To implement these preventive measures effectively, the ICPO is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) Iloilo City Schools Division.
A strategic meeting was held to align their efforts, led by Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Luz M. De los Reyes. The ICPO delegation included Lt. Romadelle P. Velasco of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) and Maj. Shella Mae A. Sangrines of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit (CCADU) and Public Information Office (PIO).
During the meeting, the DepEd Iloilo City Schools Division outlined key areas that may need targeted interventions. It includes enhancing security measures specifically for schools identified as high-risk; optimizing police visibility outside schools; and updating and reviewing the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for existing private security guards.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño directed all police units to maintain heightened visibility, strengthen coordination with school authorities and local government units, and swiftly address peace and order concerns in and around campuses.
“Our responsibility does not end at crime prevention. We must also help ensure that our children can go to school, learn, and return home safely,” PBGen Tuaño said. “I have directed all PRO6 units to be visible, responsive, and proactive in supporting our schools across Western Visayas.”
The directive includes mobile and foot patrols, assistance in traffic management, and monitoring of areas where students usually gather. Police units were also tasked to coordinate closely with barangay officials, force multipliers, and partner agencies to strengthen community vigilance.
Authorities emphasized that monitoring will cover not only threats of violence but also bullying, illegal drugs, petty crimes, traffic congestion, and suspicious individuals that may compromise student safety.
PBGen Tuaño reminded personnel to remain approachable and service-oriented. “Our police presence must be felt not through fear, but through service, discipline, and genuine concern for the safety of the community. The protection of our learners is a shared responsibility,” he added.
PRO6 encouraged the public to immediately report suspicious activities or security concerns near schools through the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline or the nearest police station.
