PNP asks schools to coordinate off-campus events

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police on Sunday urged schools to be in close coordination with law enforcement authorities regarding major off-campus events.

PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. sought this cooperation amid the continuing outrage over the June 8 drowning of Ateneo Blue Eagles rookies Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building and training activity at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.

“We encourage schools to coordinate with local police stations before conducting major off-campus activities so that proper security assessments, emergency response planning, traffic management, and coordination with rescue and medical services can be undertaken,” Nartatez said in a statement.

All local and regional police offices have also been ordered to maintain regular coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

READ: Ateneo, Smart unaware of Aurora activity until after tragedy — Remulla

“We will strengthen coordination with DepEd, CHEd and local government units to ensure that proper security and safety measures are in place for the safety of learners, especially major off-campus activities,” Nartatez said.

READ: Ateneo team manager strongly advised vs Aurora activity — Remulla

Apart from the drowning of the two athletes, shooting and stabbing incidents incited by minors occurred in different parts of the country only days apart from each other.

Through coordination with DepEd and CHEd, the PNP hopes to “ensure safer learning environments.”

“Prevention begins with strong partnership and advance planning,” the police chief said. /cb