Public high schools across Cebu Province were set to receive at least 600 metal detectors as the provincial government expanded efforts to address school violence and strengthen campus security.
The equipment was formally turned over to the Department of Education-Cebu during the Unified Action Against School Violence activity led by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
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Cebu Safe Schools Program Expands Security Measures
DepEd-Cebu was tasked with distributing the metal detectors to public high schools throughout the province under the Cebu Safe Schools Program, a broader initiative covering school security, violence and bullying prevention, emergency preparedness, and mental health and psychosocial support for learners.
Baricuatro established the program through Executive Order 35, issued on June 25, 2026, as part of the province’s efforts to address risks before they escalated into emergencies.
“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,” Baricuatro said.
She explained that the initiative was intended to help students concentrate on their education and aspirations instead of worrying about their safety inside school premises.
DepEd Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Paulin welcomed the provincial government’s support, saying the measures were expected to benefit not only learners but also teachers, school heads and non-teaching personnel.
“We are very blessed that in Cebu Province, we have a leadership that truly cares for every Cebuano, especially our young Cebuanos,” Paulin said.
Agencies, Communities Joined Effort Against School Violence
The provincewide initiative extended beyond the distribution of security equipment, bringing together government agencies, educators, school administrators, and community stakeholders to address threats affecting schools.
Around 200 participants attended the activity, including representatives from DepEd, Cebu Police Provincial Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 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.
The participating agencies also signed a Pledge of Commitment outlining their shared responsibility in protecting learners and maintaining safe school environments.
Cebu Police Provincial Office Director Col. Abubakar Mangelen Jr. reported that police had resolved all 22 school-related incidents and online threats recorded through the School Defense System. Of these cases, 11 involved minors who were referred to their respective city and municipal social welfare and development offices.
Two cases were filed in court, including one under Presidential Decree 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and another involving grave threats in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Mangelen emphasized the importance of coordination among agencies in responding to school-related threats.
“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,” he said.
He added that the broader effort aimed to prevent the loss of lives, particularly among children and students.
The CPPO also distributed wristbands displaying the 911 emergency hotline number to students who attended the activity, reinforcing awareness of emergency assistance available to them.
Student leaders likewise stressed that school safety was not solely the responsibility of authorities. Kai Ulani Paubsanon, a student leader of Buanoy National High School, said learners could help protect their peers and contribute to safer school environments.
“We are very thankful for this initiative because we are given knowledge to ensure the protection of the staff and students in our schools,” Paubsanon said.
“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,” she added.
Cebu’s efforts highlighted a practical reality for families: children cannot fully focus on learning when safety concerns follow them into the classroom. The distribution of security equipment, alongside cooperation among schools, families, students and government agencies, underscored the need to address risks before they result in harm.
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