QC gov’t sets up heightened security protocols following stabbing incident

MANILA, Philippines — Stricter security measures will be implemented in public schools in Quezon City following a stabbing incident in a local high school, said the city’s local government unit (LGU) on Saturday.

This move follows an incident where a teenager was fatally stabbed by his classmate inside Culiat High School on January 20.

READ: Violence in school: Teen stabs classmate dead in Quezon City

“While we consider this an isolated case, the incident underscored the need to come up with additional security interventions in our public learning institutions,” said Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement.

This order follows a meeting with different city agencies and stakeholders, including the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Social Services and Development Department,  Schools Division Office, and more.

According to Belmonte, some of the precautions to be taken include placing additional cameras in schools and random security checks.

Preventive measures were also ordered, including values formation programs and the hiring of more guidance counselors, said the LGU.

The QCPD said that rape and theft were the most common crimes committed by children in conflict with the law in Quezon City, with most of the children ranging from 15 to 17 years old.

The Department of Education- National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) has previously expressed concern about the stabbing incident, vowing debriefing sessions for the teachers and students who witnessed the event.

“DepEd-NCR enjoins school administrators, teachers, nonteaching personnel, parents, students, and all stakeholders to work together in raising and educating children to become peace-loving and responsible members of the community,” said the agency.

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