PNP backs 2 Senate-approved child safety bills amid school shootings

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) supports two Senate-approved measures seeking to strengthen safeguards for children in schools and online, amid concerns over campus violence and digital threats.

In a statement on Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act and Sagip Bata Act will reinforce efforts to protect children from threats in both physical and digital environments.

The remarks come amid renewed concerns over school violence following the Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato that left two students dead and several others injured.

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“We stand ready to work with DepEd, local governments, and communities to ensure schools remain secure and protective environments for our learners,” Nartatez said.

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Senate Bill No. 2424, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, seeks to create a National School Safety Framework covering the prevention of, response to, and recovery from threats in school.

Read: Senate OKs on 3rd reading bills protecting children vs abuse, violence

The measure will also require schools to develop localized safety plans that could include CCTV cameras, counseling services, emergency response systems, additional security measures, and anonymous reporting mechanisms.

It also proposes regulations on students’ use of mobile devices during class hours. 

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The proposed Sagip Bata Act, or Senate Bill No. 1819, seeks to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including emerging threats involving technology.

It covers acts such as grooming, luring, sexual extortion, image-based abuse, livestreamed exploitation and the use of artificial intelligence to generate or manipulate sexual content involving children.

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“Our Anti-Cybercrime Group is intensifying monitoring of online platforms where children may be groomed, exploited or recruited,” Nartatez said.

“We are strengthening digital forensics, evidence preservation, and coordination with service providers,” he added.

Students who experience threats, bullying, grooming or abuse are urged to report the incidents and seek assistance from authorities.

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The PNP continues to increase its presence in schools as part of efforts to address threats to children. /apl