Schools May Get Extra Security as DILG & DepEd Plan Tanod Deployment
DEPED – In a major move to protect students, the DILG and DepEd are reportedly considering the deployment of barangay tanods inside school buildings.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are reportedly planning to deploy barangay tanods inside schools as part of efforts to strengthen security and prevent possible incidents of violence on school grounds.
The proposed measure comes amid recent school shooting incidents that have raised concerns over the safety of students and school personnel. Among the incidents cited were the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) – Junior High School on August 18, 2026, and the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, 2026.
In the Zamboanga City incident, one student reportedly died, while the Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) involved in the incident also shot himself. Meanwhile, three students were killed in the Tacloban City shooting, which involved two minors.
During the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on Thursday, August 27, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla discussed the planned security measures in response to questions from Akbayan Partylist Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula.
Remulla said the DILG and DepEd are working on a memorandum circular that would allow barangay tanods to enter school buildings and assist with security operations.
“The first part is that the Department of Education and the DILG are entering a memorandum circular to allow barangay tanods inside the school buildings. They will be part of the security augmentation force to inspect the bags before they enter,” as he began.
Under the proposed arrangement, barangay tanods would help inspect students’ bags as they enter school premises. The measure is intended to provide an additional layer of security alongside existing school safety protocols.
Remulla also explained that police personnel would regularly monitor the arrival and departure of students during school hours. This would allow authorities to maintain a visible security presence when students are entering and leaving school grounds.
“After that, the PNP is regularly scheduled in the ingress and egress of the students during school time,” he said.
He emphasized that police presence would be required to help secure schools throughout the period when students are arriving and leaving.
“They are required to be there so all schools are to be secured between ‘yong pasukan at ‘yong pauwian nila,” he concluded.
The planned coordination between the DILG, DepEd, barangay tanods, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen school security following recent violent incidents.
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