Mayor eyes regulation of sharp tools in schools

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is proposing a measure to regulate the usage of sharp tools in schools following safety concerns raised by school officials and parents, as confusion persists over what students are allowed to bring into classrooms.

His proposal comes as other divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region have reiterated strict bans on sharp objects and deadly items in schools following heightened security alerts after recent campus incidents nationwide.

Archival said he has spoken with several school heads, who acknowledged that scissors, for example, are necessary for classroom activities.

However, he stressed that not all types should be permitted.

“Nagkastorya na mi sa ubang mga principals kanang mga gunting kinahanglanun man gud na sa eskwelahan...Kanang dagkong gunting dalhon nimo… that’s not a good idea,” the mayor explained.

He suggested that the size and design of scissors should be specified, with blunt tips preferred to prevent harm.

“Kanang dumbol… para dili maka harm sa uban kung gamiton ba na niya pangtuslok,” Archival added.

The mayor earlier said that he will discuss the matter with the Local School Board (LSB) and DepEd Cebu City to establish clear guidelines.

The proposed regulation is expected to cover not only scissors but also other sharp tools that students might bring to school.

The push for the regulation comes in the wake of the Tacloban school shooting last month, where minors allegedly influenced by a violent online game attacked their classmates inside San Jose National High School.

The incident shocked the education sector and prompted DepEd to heighten security measures nationwide, including stricter monitoring of items brought into schools.

In Cebu Province, Division Memorandum No. 426, s. 2026, was issued to reiterate policies on school security measures.

Anchored on DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026, the memorandum requires schools to conduct bag and vehicle inspections at entry points; confiscate prohibited items such as firearms, bladed weapons, and sharp objects without an instructional purpose; strengthen visitor guidelines and gate protocols; activate Child Protection Committees to monitor compliance; and communicate policies to parents and stakeholders to avoid confusion.

Earlier, Archival also revealed that Cebu City is studying the purchase of metal detectors for public schools using the Special Education Fund (SEF).

He said discussions with Councilor Paul Labra II, chairperson of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, are ongoing to determine how the devices could be be installed to strengthen campus security.

The proposal is part of a layered response that includes a visible police presence, consultations with mental health professionals, and stricter regulation of the items students bring to school. (CEBU NEWS)