THE GOVERNMENT is studying the deployment of village watchers (barangay tanod) inside schools as part of efforts to strengthen security following recent shooting incidents, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Education (DepEd) are in talks for a possible agreement that could allow barangay tanod, particularly women, to serve as visible patrols inside schools.

Castro said the proposal is still being studied, with the agreement possibly finalized by next week.

The move comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described the recent shooting in South Cotabato as “very disturbing” and said such an incident involving a young person was not normal.

Castro said Marcos had reviewed reports on the incident, including the alleged letter of the shooter.

“He said very disturbing at hindi ito normal sa nangyayari, kakaiba siya, hindi siya (He said it was very disturbing and not normal, something unusual and not) ordinary,” she said in a Palace briefing.

Aside from strengthening security inside schools, the government is also pursuing interventions involving parents, teachers and other school personnel, Castro said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is conducting parenting sessions through family centers to help parents better guide their children.

The agency is also discussing trauma-informed care for teachers and school personnel, including training on how to recognize possible red flags or behavioral signs among students.

Castro said DepEd is likewise conducting seminars and providing guidance to teachers on incidents involving young people.

She said the government’s response must extend beyond schools and involve families and communities, particularly amid concerns over the influence of online gaming applications and other online interactions on young people.

“This is not something that can be immediately resolved just like that,” Castro said, stressing the need to strengthen family relationships and guide children both at home and in school.

The Palace official also urged licensed firearm owners to exercise greater caution, particularly when children are present.

She said firearms must be kept securely to prevent minors from gaining access to them. (PNA)