Lapu-Lapu officials tighten mechanisms vs school bullying

CEBU, Philippines — Officials and stakeholders in Lapu-Lapu City have come up with mechanisms to improve child protection in a bid to strengthen coordinated efforts to address bullying in schools.

This was agreed upon during an intervention meeting led by Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, together with representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) Lapu-Lapu City Division, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), and barangay officials.

The meeting focused on strengthening interventions against bullying and developing measures to make schools safer for learners.

DepEd officials discussed learner-centered programs, including Learners' Patrol training, values formation activities, and reporting mechanisms that allow students to raise concerns.

The division also emphasized closer coordination among schools, police, barangay officials, and other community partners in handling bullying incidents and other child protection concerns.

The CSWDO, meanwhile, emphasized the need to listen to children and provide appropriate assistance to those experiencing bullying.

The office also discussed strengthening child protection programs, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives for children and their families, as well as making reporting channels more accessible.

On the other hand, the LCPO reported that it has been conducting anti-bullying lectures in around 12 schools across the city.

The discussions also covered bullying prevention, Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as well as the dangers of illegal drugs.

The LCPO said it would continue coordinating with DepEd to expand information campaigns and increase police visibility in and around schools.

King-Chan said addressing bullying requires the participation of government agencies, schools, law enforcement agencies, barangays, parents, and communities.

She likewise urged stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures and reporting mechanisms while sustaining programs aimed at protecting children.

Barangay captains also proposed increasing the support of barangay tanods in schools within their respective areas to help improve safety and maintain peace and order.

The meeting also tackled increasing police visibility and the possible installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas to strengthen security in schools and communities.

Among those present were Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Andales, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ronald Ferrer, LCPO City Director PCol. Agosto Daskeo, CSWDO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Sheila Baylosis, and the city's barangay captains.

The participating agencies agreed to continue coordinating on anti-bullying interventions and child protection measures in Lapu-Lapu City.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old student has been placed under rehabilitation and reintegration after police recovered a firearm, ammunition, and other weapons during an investigation into a video that allegedly showed the minor holding a gun.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Dindo Juanito B. Alaras, chief of the Liloan Municipal Police Station, said the intervention is being carried out under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. He added that the station's Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) is overseeing the intervention.

The inquiry started after the principal of Liloan National High School sought police assistance at about 1 p.m. on Aug. 3 upon learning that a video involving the student had circulated in a private class group chat.

Working with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the WCPD conducted a child-sensitive investigation. Investigators later met with the student and the child's guardian at the school to validate the report.

Police said information obtained during the investigation led authorities to the location of the firearm.

The child's father eventually turned over a snub-nosed revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, along with a pair of brass knuckles fitted with an improvised knife.

Authorities documented the recovered items through inventory, marking, and photography before placing them under the custody of the Liloan Municipal Police Station for safekeeping, forensic examination, and proper disposition.

Investigators have yet to determine how the minor gained possession of the firearm. They are also checking information that the student may have kept the weapon after allegedly becoming a victim of physical attacks by other children in the neighborhood.

Police are likewise coordinating with the Firearms and Explosives Office to verify the ownership and registration of the recovered revolver while looking into the possible liability of individuals who may have violated the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Presidential Decree No. 9, and other applicable laws.

Meanwhile, the Liloan Municipal Police Station has strengthened its security initiatives in schools by increasing police visibility, conducting campus visits, meeting with school administrators, and holding information campaigns as authorities continue the investigation. — /IHM (FREEMAN)