Lapu-Lapu, DepEd officials assure students' safety

CEBU, Philippines - In the wake of the killing of a six-year-old pupil of the Calajoan Elementary School in Minglanilla town Tuesday, officials of Lapu-Lapu City and the Department of Education yesterday assured the safety of the students in the city.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said students, their parents, and barangay tanods are helping the police against criminality, especially in schools.

She said close to 1,000 students, parents, peace and security officers from different schools, as well as barangay tanods recently pledged their help before her after having completed training and attended seminars conducted by the police and barangay officials.

The city mayor said the reactivation of the Junior Police & Parents Brigade and the Barangay Police Safety Officers (BPSO) is a welcome development.

She said the previous administration had initiated the revitalization of the Junior Police program with the aim of helping the youth become responsible citizens.

Radaza said another reason for the activation is that the police do not have enough people to look after schools

In her previous statement, Radaza said, "We come together for the investiture of the members of the Parents Brigade as well as the induction of its executive officers. I am confident that the officers will perform their work with enthusiasm and proficiency; and I look forward to the active involvement of every member to assist the officers in carrying out their duties." (FREEMAN)