Solon wants tighter security in public schools amid persistent tech tools theft

A lawmaker urged incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Oscar Albayalde on Monday to intensify the protection and security of schools as incidents of theft and robbery in public schools continue to happen.

READ: Duterte says Albayalde will be next PNP chief

Assistant Majority Leader and Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo said the existing anti-theft and anti-robbery measures of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the PNP for computers and other tech equipment distributed to schools are not enough.

“There have been many incidents of theft and robbery of public schools’ computers and other equipment. Considering how frequent they happen, the PNP should be compiling the reports of their field offices so that the extent and depth of the problem can be ascertained and proper measures put in place,” Salo said in a statement.

“Madalas ang nakawan ng computers, CCTV equipment, at LCD projectors sa mga paaralan. Minsan naman, nahuhulihan ng mga baril ang ilang high school students. Marami nang insidente ng rape na ang biktima ay mga estudyante. Nariyan na rin ang mga estudyante nabibiktima ng tokhang, drug syndicates, hazing, at street gangs,” Salo added.

According to DepEd, it had placed countermeasures to deter theft and pilferage of DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) equipment.

These measures include changing the color of DCP-issued devices to blue as well putting on the unit a public warning that it is government property, and mere possession of such outside of public schools can be grounds for prosecution.

“The thieves and robbers would just remove whatever markings and coverings the DepEd computers and equipment have,” pointed out Salo, hinting that these measures prove to be insufficient.

“DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), Bangko Sentral, and the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) must be informed of the modus operandi of the criminals so that they can properly and in timely fashion, inform computer shop owners, pawnshops, online trading portals, barangays, and police stations,” he added.

Further, Salo said schools, especially public schools, were soft targets of thieves and robbers “because of inadequate number of watchmen and security guards, poor perimeter security, and poorly lit surroundings.”                     /kga