The Mandaue City Government is planning to procure additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and metal detectors for public schools as it steps up security measures following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced the proposal after an emergency meeting of the Local School Board and city officials on June 24, where measures to prevent school violence and improve campus safety were discussed.
The meeting came two days after the June 22 shooting at a school in Tacloban City that left three students dead.
Ouano said the city government wants to strengthen preparedness and coordination to better protect students, teachers, school personnel, and parents during emergencies.
Among the measures being considered are the installation of more CCTV cameras, the use of walkthrough or handheld metal detectors, and the enhancement of live monitoring systems to improve communication and emergency response.
The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) has also deployed police personnel to 48 schools across the city to increase police visibility and ensure faster response to any security incident. Police are likewise coordinating with Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSOs) to strengthen security within and around school campuses.
City officials also discussed conducting parenting seminars focused on positive discipline and communication, while students in both public and private schools may undergo self-defense and safety awareness orientations.
The city also plans to strengthen mental health services and anti-bullying programs through the Mandaue City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) and the City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWSO).
Representatives from the Department of Education Mandaue Division, MCPO, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), SAMHSO, CSWSO, and other agencies attended the emergency meeting.
Ouano emphasized that preparedness remains the city’s top priority.
“Para man gud nako, it is always preparedness, rapid response, and coordinated action,” he said.
He noted that police visibility in schools had already been in place even before the Tacloban incident.
The mayor also said the city has discussed with the DepEd Mandaue Division the availability of metal detectors in schools.
“Naa ra man daw sila but mao lagi dili tanang schools,” Ouano said.
He assured that the city government is ready to assist if more equipment is needed.
“Kung ganahan sila og more metal detectors, then mo procure ta ana,” he said.
Ouano added that while he supports stricter bag inspections, manually checking every student may not be sustainable because of the large school population.
He said metal detectors would allow schools to conduct inspections more efficiently without causing major delays.
For now, he appealed for parents’ understanding as schools continue manual inspections, encouraging students to arrive early to avoid congestion while helping ensure campus safety.
Photo by VCL
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