By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) have called for heightened vigilance inside schools following a recent stabbing incident involving students in San Carlos City.
In a statement, Lacson described the recent acts of violence within and around school communities as deeply disturbing, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces where students can learn, grow and pursue their education without fear.
The governor urged administrators of both public and private schools to strengthen campus safety efforts and work closely with stakeholders to foster discipline, respect, responsibility, and nonviolence among the youth.
Meanwhile, PRO-NIR emphasized that although the recent stabbing incident occurred outside school premises, it underscores the need for early intervention, strong parental guidance and sustained community involvement in preventing youth violence.
Police officials encouraged parents, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders to promptly report signs of bullying, threats, gang-related activities, and other behaviors that may place students at risk.
Early reporting and timely intervention remain crucial in preventing conflicts from escalating into more serious incidents, PRO-NIR said.
The regional police office also addressed concerns that increased police engagement with schools could be perceived as the militarization of educational institutions.
PRO-NIR clarified that the Philippine National Police respects the authority of schools in maintaining discipline and student welfare, emphasizing that police involvement is intended only to support existing school safety programs and will be conducted in coordination with school officials and in compliance with child protection policies.
Under its Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary (SAFE) NIR initiative, PRO-NIR said it continues to expand preventive programs in communities to address the root causes of violence and promote positive youth development.
Both Lacson and police officials stressed that ensuring the safety and welfare of students is a shared responsibility requiring the collective efforts of families, schools, communities, and government agencies.
On Tuesday, June 23, a Grade 9 student was injured after he was stabbed by his fellow schoolmate at Barangay 2 in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City.
The suspected assailant, a Grade 10 student, was later apprehended during a follow-up pursuit operation./CCJ, WDJ