Quick reaction teams eyed to handle school emergencies

MANILA, Philippines — The creation of quick reaction teams that will respond school emergencies is being eyed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Remulla made pronouncement in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Friday, following a recent string of violent incidents and security concerns in schools.

READ: La Salle student’s FB post sparks ‘security concern’

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“Nasa plano na namin ni [PNP chief] General [Jose Melencio] Nartatez [Jr.] na gagawa na kami ng quick reaction force in all regions, in all cities to deal with these kinds of emergencies,” Remulla said.

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(It’s in our plans with PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. that we’ll create a quick reaction force in all regions, in all cities to deal with these kinds of emergencies.)

Earlier in the week, police investigated two separate incidents of alleged threats at San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City and at La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City.

Remulla explained that private schools employ their own security guards while the national police force has since bolstered its presence and tapped the help of barangay watchmen (tanod) to secure public schools.

He previously announced that the DILG and the Department of Education crafted rules to allow “tanods” to help with the security situation inside campuses. /gsg