21/08/2026
Following the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) recent proposal to establish barangay tanod outposts inside school grounds to curb rising campus violence, a critical question faces our education system: Does placing watchmen in hallways actually solve the crisis, or is it merely a visible quick fix?
While Barangay Tanods near school perimeters offers an immediate deterrent against physical fights, treating campus safety as purely a security issue misses the core problem. Physical security can guard a gate, but it cannot diagnose trauma, de-escalate emotional distress, or repair behavioral problems.
Long-term safety across both public and private schools requires shifting from reactive policing to comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care. Existing national frameworks already mandate this approach:
DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 (Child Protection Policy): Mandates every school to operate a Child Protection Committee (CPC) to address bullying and peer violence through structured assessment, referral, and psychosocial support rather than physical security intervention.
Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013): Directs educational institutions to implement restorative, developmental measures for student conflicts. Security personnel are not equipped to deliver the behavioral rehabilitation required under the law.
Republic Act No. 12080 (Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act): Institutionalizes school-based mental health programs, mandating Care Centers in basic education institutions and creating dedicated plantilla positions for School Counselors, Counselor Associates, and mental health practitioners.
To build lasting peace, schools must prioritize and strengthen their Multi-Disciplinary Action Teams /Child Protection Committee. Mandatory hiring of licensed Guidance Counselors, Counselor Associates, and Registered Social Workers ensures that psychosocial experts lead crisis intervention, mental health screenings, and case management.
Community watchmen (Barangay Tanods) can play a role in securing external perimeters. However, protecting our students inside the gates requires professional support systems that understand and heal them—not just watchmen stationed to watch them.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla wants barangay tanod stations allowed inside schools as an additional security measure following the Zamboanga school shooting.
Remulla said barangay tanods often know young people in their communities and could talk to or intervene when necessary. The DILG plans to coordinate with the Department of Education on measures to strengthen protection for students, teachers, and school personnel.
