By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
The Bacolod City government started the distribution of handheld metal scanners to all public elementary and high schools in the city yesterday.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the initiative is one of the recommendations of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Bacolod to ensure the safety of students within school premises.
Gasataya said the distribution of free handheld metal scanners continues until Tuesday, July 21.
The city government will also purchase walk-through metal detectors for installation in schools with larger student populations.
The move came after several physical assault and stabbing incidents involving students were reported in various public schools in the city.
Gasataya said the city government earlier held a meeting with DepEd-Bacolod officials and is also conducting ongoing preparations and training to help prevent similar incidents.
Among the recommendations are the use of gate passes for school partners and stakeholders, the implementation of frisking procedures, the installation of walk-through metal detectors and handheld metal scanners, and the additional deployment of police personnel to help ensure the safety of students both inside and outside school campuses.
DepEd-Bacolod also launched an investigation into an alleged mauling incident involving a Grade 10 student who was reportedly assaulted by two schoolmates inside a classroom.
The 17-year-old victim sustained injuries to his head and arm.
On July 16, the discovery of a live round of ammunition of still undetermined caliber, along with handwritten notes, inside the senior high school building of the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos prompted the suspension of classes at the university.
On June 29, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student was allegedly stabbed by a 12-year-old Grade 7 student in front of Sum-ag National High School.
On June 25, a Grade 11 student was also injured after he was allegedly beaten by Grade 10 and Grade 12 students outside Father Gratian Murray Integrated School in Barangay Granada./MAP, WDJ