Barangay captains urged: Join in student crime prevention council

Barangay captains should actively sit in the Board of Advisers of Student Crime Prevention Council in their localities in order for it to be more effective, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno.

In a memorandum circular, Puno instructed provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to enjoin their barangay captains to actively participate in the board to support the SCPC in schools within their jurisdiction.

Puno said that as board members, barangay captains should provide guidance on matters affecting the activities of the SCPC.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the National Police Commission for the creation of SCPC.

Under the agreement, the SCPC would adopt the following duties: formulate crime prevention programs - coordinate with school authorities in the maintenance of peace and order within the school campus; recommend the conduct of seminars and trainings on crime and drug prevention and control in coordination with the Napolcom regional office, local police station or DILG-Patrol 117.

The agreement also stipulated the holding of intensive information drive on drug abuse, alcoholism, illegal gambling, fraternity quarrels, hazing and other undesirable activities.

Board members were encouraged to report illegal activities of students and recommend to school authorities sanctions such as reprimand, transfer, suspension or exclusion or expulsion from the school.

Puno said the board should see to it that measures are undertaken to prevent crimes involving children and youth in their localities. - Garry B. Lao