REITERATION OF POLICIES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND OTHER THREATS TO LEARNER SAFETY

In view of recent incidents involving school-based violence, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to maintaining safe and protective learning environments for all learners, teachers, and school personnel. Accordingly, this Memorandum is issued to ensure the heightened vigilance and preparedness of all schools in the face of emerging threats.

Pursuant to DepEd Order (DO) No. 40, s. 2012, titled DepEd Child Protection Policy, all learners and school personnel are prohibited from committing acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation, as well as from introducing into the school premises or otherwise possessing prohibited articles such as deadly weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic and noxious substances, and pornographic materials, among others.

Moreover, DO 007, s. 2024, titled the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Revised School-Based Management System, likewise underscores the shared duty of school communities to ensure that learning environments are safe, secure, inclusive, resilient, and learner-centered. These principles align with DepEd's broader goal of promoting a culture of peace, mutual respect, and accountability within all schools. Thus, all regional offices, schools division offices, and schools are directed to intensify the implementation and monitoring of safety measures and violence prevention strategies, including but not limited to the following:

a. Strict enforcement of security protocols, such as the inspection of belongings upon entry to the school, increased visibility of security personnel, and the regulation of access to the school premises through controlled entry and exit points;
b. Prohibition of firearms and other prohibited articles within school premises;
c. Strengthening of policy implementation and reportorial mechanisms for incidents of child abuse, exploitation, discrimination, violence, threats, bullying, gang and gender-related violence, and other similar cases;
d. Provision of responsive learner support services, including programs on mental health, youth development, and psychosocial well-being;
e. Close coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and the Philippine National Police to monitor external threats and to ensure the safety and security of learners and school personnel;
f. Development and implementation of localized school safety plans and contingency protocols; and
g. Other activities that promote the protection and the improvement of the overall well-being of learners, personnel, and other stakeholders.