NCRPO, DepEd team up to deal with bomb threats, illegal drugs

The he National Capital Region Police Office and the Department of Education have joined forces in efforts to deal with bomb threats and the illegal drugs menace affecting schools of Metro Manila.

NCRPO Regional Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde met with DepEd Asec. Jesus Mateo last Friday and both agreed to establish a protocol on how to report, in a fast and easy way, concerns from the schools to the authorities.

Mateo said parents and guardians play a key role in helping control the spread of unverified information on bomb scares.
Teachers must report first to authorities before sending out information to parents,Mateo said.

"Parents should stay calm when told of any situation so we can all address the threat fast in the correct and appropriate manner. Principals were also reminded on the sending kids to school-protocol.

Everybody is encouraged to report immediately the information, suspicious things such as unattended bags, boxes, or new things to the police and not open it," he added.

Mateo directed the schools to involve police officers and local government units to initiate anti-illegal drug lectures to children.

The DepEd official also proposed the invitation of the PNP during parent teachers meeting and introduce the concept of emergency hotline number 911 and text 2286.

DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Ponciano Menguito reminded students not to forward bomb jokes or else face charges pursuant to Presidential Decree 1727.

Meanwhile, Albayalde assured the public of a more intensified police and barangay tanod visibility around school campuses.

At all times, it is important to be calm but vigilant. Let us not allow these lawless elements to establish fear on us. Use available resources, Albayalde said.

A simulation exercise from the NCRPO Special Reaction Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 units followed the meeting at Oranbo Elementary School to promote awareness on managing bomb threats







source:gmanews