THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to establish Safer School Zones (SSZs) nationwide and mobilize 277,744 barangay “tanod” or village cops to safeguard learners from crime, violence, traffic hazards, and other threats around schools.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037, the DILG institutionalizes SSZs under the government’s Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative, where governors, city and municipal mayors, village chairpersons, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other stakeholders are directed to strengthen safety and security around public and private schools.

LGUs are directed to identify and address safety hazards and security risks within school zones, including unsafe roads and pedestrian facilities, speeding vehicles, fire and disaster risks, and other threats to learners. They are also encouraged to enact or strengthen local ordinances on traffic management, pedestrian safety, crime prevention, violence prevention, and public order around schools.

The village cops will serve as force multipliers by maintaining a visible presence, conducting roving patrols, assisting in traffic management, providing immediate assistance, and promptly reporting or referring incidents to the proper authorities.

“Schools must remain places of learning, not places of fear. Through Safer School Zones, local governments, barangays, schools, law enforcement agencies, parents, and communities will work together to better protect every learner,” the DILG said in a statement, as part of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s whole-of-nation approach to public safety and child protection by strengthening coordination among LGUs, schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities.

The directive limits barangay tanod operations to areas outside school premises, except when authorized by school authorities or when immediate lawful assistance is necessary.

It likewise reiterates that village cops shall remain unarmed civilian community support actors and must immediately refer incidents requiring police, fire, medical, social welfare, or other specialized response to the appropriate authorities.

Based on consolidated DILG data, 277,744 barangay tanod serving in 42,010 villages nationwide stand ready to support the implementation of the initiative by helping maintain peace and order and enhancing public safety around school communities. (PNA)