DepEd to hire School Security Guards after sexual abuse of 4 teachers

DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa stated in a text message that an arrangement would be made with other organizations to guarantee the hiring of security personnel.

“The Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) aims to use the special education fund collected by local government units as a funding source for things like repairs of schools and hiring of at least one security personnel per school. The JMC has yet to be drafted. There is no set target date yet for signing,” Poa said in an interview.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier denounced the alleged sexual harassment and announced that it is currently working on a JMC with the Departments of the Interior and Local Government and Budget and Management.

Even the Alliance of Concerned Teachers has stated that security staff are needed, pointing out that there are many safety dangers in schools with the current system in place.

“The incident only exposes the vulnerability of our schools to scumbags who are out to harm innocent people. This should serve as a wake-up call for the government, which has neglected our schools for so long that they cannot even employ security personnel to guard the safety of our teachers and learners. Such neglect should stop now,” the ACT said.

According to preliminary information, on August 9, an armed man entered the grounds of the Ocampo school as the victims were getting ready for the next class reopening.

The man then allegedly assaulted the teachers in broad daylight while armed.

Meantime, the DepEd requested that the Philippine National Police look into the incident and provide relief to the victims.

According to the DepEd, “the department will offer the victims the required assistance, including financial support and psychosocial intervention.”

-PNA