Public high schools across Cebu Province will receive 600 metal detectors as the provincial government expands a multi-agency campaign against school violence and other threats.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro led the ceremonial turnover of the equipment to the Department of Education-Cebu during the Unified Action Against School Violence at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
DepEd-Cebu will distribute the metal detectors to public high schools across the province as an additional security measure under the Cebu Safe Schools Program.
Baricuatro created the program through Executive Order No. 35 on June 25, 2026. It covers school security as well as violence and bullying prevention, emergency preparedness, and mental health and psychosocial support for learners.
“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.
The governor said she wanted students to be able to concentrate on their studies, friendships and aspirations instead of worrying about possible threats at school.
DepEd Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Paulin said the provincial government’s assistance would benefit the entire school community, including students, 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 initiative involves several government agencies, with around 200 government officials, educators, school administrators, parents and community stakeholders attending the activity.
Participating agencies included the 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.
Representatives of the participating agencies also signed a Pledge of Commitment recognizing their shared responsibility in protecting learners and keeping schools safe.
Cebu Police Provincial Office Director Police Col. Abubakar Mangelen Jr. reported that police had resolved all 22 school-related incidents and online threats reported through the School Defense System.
Eleven of the cases involved minors who were referred to their respective city and municipal social welfare and development offices.
Two cases reached the courts. One was filed under Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, while the other involved grave threats in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Mangelen said the police response needed to be complemented by the participation of other agencies and stakeholders.
“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 said the coordinated effort seeks to prevent loss of life, particularly among children and students.
The CPPO also gave students who attended the activity wristbands carrying the 911 emergency hotline number.
For student leaders, school safety also involves creating an environment where learners feel protected.
Kai Ulani Paubsanon, a student leader from Buanoy National High School, said students could contribute to protecting their fellow learners.
“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.
She said student leaders should help make schools safe spaces for their peers.
“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.
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