The Department of Education (DepEd) has imposed tougher rules to address school security breaches, declaring bomb threats and possession of deadly weapons as third-level offenses under its newly issued guidelines.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the measures, part of the School Safety Campaign, align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure student welfare.
“Hindi natin papayagan ang anumang banta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara stated.
Under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) classify offenses into three tiers:
– First-level: minor misconduct such as vandalism or disruptive behavior, punishable by reprimand or suspension.
– Second-level: stalking, theft, or harassment, leading to suspension, non-readmission, or exclusion.
– Third-level: hazing, sexual assault, homicide, bomb threats, gang activity, drug or alcohol possession, and carrying firearms or explosives. Sanctions include preventive suspension, non-readmission, or exclusion, with mandatory referral to law enforcement.
The framework also mandates risk assessment, confidential incident reporting, and mental health support for victims.
DepEd said the policy aims to build a safe, accountable, and inclusive culture across the country’s basic education system. # (ZIA LUNA)
