By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) mulls increased security in schools following several crime and suicide incidents recorded over the last few weeks.

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, said they will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) over the proposal for increased police presence.

Catalogo said it would be up to DepEd, school principals and local school boards if strict monitoring of students would be necessary.

Previously, several crime incidents involving students took place at the Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School in the province’s Talisay City.

Last month, a senior high school student brought a grenade to school and threatened a tricycle driver.

Another student was arrested after carrying suspected dried marijuana leaves.

On May 10, police arrested a senior high school student after the school staff recovered a small envelope containing suspected dried marijuana in his possession during a search.

Meanwhile, two suicide incidents involving students were also recorded in several schools in the province.

A student, who slit his wrist in an attempt to take her own life, was rescued and is now recovering at a hospital./DGB, WDJ