Stricter security inspections were rolled out in several public schools in Manila on Monday, June 29, amid growing concerns over incidents of school violence in the country, including the deadly shooting in Tacloban City.
At Arellano High School, school officials used handheld metal detectors to inspect bags for prohibited items, including knives and other sharp objects, before allowing students to enter the campus.
The stricter inspections, however, resulted in long queues at some schools. At Araullo High School, the line of students reportedly stretched as far as the United Nations (UN) station as security personnel checked bags before students entered the campus.
The heightened security measures were implemented following the directive of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to strengthen campus safety amid a series of violent incidents involving students across the country.
Last week, Moreno signed Executive Order No. 29, Series of 2026, creating the Manila School and Community Safety Task Force under the "Manila Schools Safety Initiative." The task force will serve as the city's coordinating body for violence prevention, threat assessment, school safety, and emergency preparedness in schools and other public places.
Despite the inconvenience, many parents expressed support for the enhanced security measures but suggested ways to make the process more efficient.
Some parents proposed that inspections be conducted inside the school, either by advisory class or per subject, instead of at the main gate, to prevent students from arriving late for class. They also urged school administrators to regularly remind parents and students through class group chats about prohibited items to avoid unnecessary delays during inspections.
One parent, Rosie, suggested that instead of permanently confiscating sharp or metal objects brought by students, teachers should temporarily keep the items, properly labeled with the student's name, so they can be returned when needed.
"Ang akin sabihin [ng school] ang pwedeng dalhin, ano ang hindi para ang bata wala silang abala dito sa gate… Okay naman po ‘yan, maganda kaya lang naaabala ang mga bata," she said.
Another parent, Janette, said she supports the stricter security policy but emphasized the need for more effective screening methods.
"Pabor naman ako kung talagang effective yung ginagawa nila kaso lang depende kung ano ang gamit nila diyan sa entrance…Kung bubuksan lang kais yung bag hindi pa rin 100% [sigurado]," she said, adding that she hopes all school security personnel will be equipped with handheld metal detectors.
The additional security measures come in the wake of several recent incidents of school violence involving minors, including the Tacloban City shooting that left three students dead and at least 20 others injured. Authorities said the alleged perpetrators were two Grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15, who are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The incident has renewed public discussion over proposals to amend the country's juvenile justice law, particularly calls to lower the age of criminal responsibility.
