DepEd urges schools to tighten security after Cebu student slay

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Education (DepEd) has called on all public and private schools to strengthen their security measures after the gruesome killing of a Grade 9 student in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The DepEd made the call as it condemned the “barbaric murder” of 17-year-old Christine Silawan, who was believed to have been raped before her face was skinned and her body dumped at a vacant lot. She was found dead by passers-by on Monday morning.

READ: Hunt on for 3 men behind skinning, slay of Cebu student

In its memorandum circular, DepEd Schools Division Office of Lapu-Lapu City asked all public and private elementary and secondary schools to strengthen their existing rules and policies on school safety.

It urged the schools to restrict practices for school presentations and other school-related activities until 5 p.m. only; instruct school heads to advise learners to bring packed lunch or snacks instead of buying food outside school premises; and ensure that fully functional CCTV cameras are installed in strategic areas.

It also called for additional presence of police or barangay tanods (watchmen) in school areas and advised students to always go in groups when out on the streets, especially when it is already dark.  /muf