600 metal detectors for public schools: Capitol beefs up security

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu provincial government is rolling out 600 metal detectors to public high schools across the province as part of its efforts to prioritize school safety.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the ceremonial turnover during the Unified Action Against School Violence held at the Capitol Social Hall.

The equipment is intended for use in public high schools throughout Cebu Province as part of efforts to strengthen school security and help prevent incidents of violence.

Around 200 representatives from government agencies, educational institutions, school administrators, parents, and other community stakeholders attended the gathering, which focused on translating the national call for safer schools into concrete measures at the provincial level.

Baricuatro said the provincial government has a responsibility to prepare for potential risks before they escalate, while also emphasizing the need to protect children in schools.

“As governor, it is my responsibility to prepare Cebu for risks before they become emergencies. But as a mother, it is much simpler. I want our children to be safe," said Baricuatro.

"I want them to walk into school thinking about their lessons, their friends, their dreams, and what they want to become someday—not whether something bad might happen to them,” she added.

DepEd Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Paulin welcomes the initiative, saying the additional security measures would benefit not only students but also teachers, school heads, and non-teaching personnel.

“We are very blessed that in Cebu Province, we have a leadership who truly cares for every Cebuano, especially our young Cebuanos,” Paulin said.

The turnover is part of the province's Cebu Safe Schools Program through Executive Order No. 35 issued by Baricuatro on June 25, 2026.

The program seeks to address school violence and bullying while improving emergency preparedness and providing mental health and psychosocial support to learners.

The provincial government also used the gathering to strengthen cooperation among agencies involved in maintaining peace, order, emergency preparedness, and the protection of children.

A Pledge of Commitment was signed during the event to reinforce the shared responsibility of government offices, schools, and communities in creating safer learning environments.

Among the participating agencies were DepEd, the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine

Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

CPPO Director Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr. also reported on the police response to school-related incidents and online threats received in the province.

According to Mangelen, the police had resolved all 22 school-related incidents and online threats reported to them through the School Defense System.

Of the 22 cases, 11 involved minors who were referred to their respective City and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices.

Two cases had also been filed in court, one under Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and another involving Grave Threats in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Mangelen stressed that school safety cannot rest solely on the police, saying the protection of learners requires cooperation among different sectors.

“The police cannot do this alone. That is why, through the leadership of our provincial government, led by our Governor Pamela Baricuatro, we initiated this multi-agency approach—a united action against school violence and any other online threats to make sure that we will not lose any precious life, most especially our children, our students, our learners,” he said.

As another safety reminder, the CPPO distributed wristbands carrying the 911 emergency hotline number to students who attended the activity.

For student leaders, the measures also reinforce the role of learners in helping maintain a safe environment inside schools.

Kai Ulani Paubsanon, a student leader of Buanoy National High School, said the initiative would help students and school personnel become more aware of their role in protecting one another.

“We are very thankful for this initiative because we are given knowledge to ensure the protection of the staff and students in our schools. As student leaders, our biggest role is to ensure the safety of our fellow students and to make them feel safe when they go to school, because a school is supposed to be a safe space for us,” Paubsanon said. — (FREEMAN)