Dev Flores

The Philippine National Police and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will join forces to strengthen forest protection against illegal miners and loggers. 

The coordination and alliance comes after the arrest of three illegal miners found in Surigao Del Sur who failed to show the necessary permit for the mining operation.

According to PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the arrest of three illegal miners proves the strong joint forces with the community. 

“The arrest of these three illegal miners is proof of that strong coordination and alliance with the community. And we intend to keep it that way,” he said

He also emphasized that environmental protection is not for DENR alone; coordination with the concerned agencies and community is also important.

“Environmental protection is not the task of the DENR alone. It requires strong coordination among government agencies and alliance with the people that is anchored on trust and commitment  to protect their community,” he said

In light of this, the PNP is equipped to provide training for forest rangers and assist in establishing a communication system against illegal miners and loggers.

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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla calls on the public to report threats or planned violence in schools through the 911 emergency hotline.

"Ito po ay panawagan ko sa lahat ng mga netizens natin. Kung may makita po kayo na kahit anong threat, or imminent threat, or chatter sa mga group discussions, na mayroong gustong gawing mass shooting or violence to be inflicted, please call 911 and inform (us) right away," according to Remulla

"Basta may makita kayong kahit konti man na babala na meron mangyayaring karumal-dumal, magsabi kayo kaagad. Tumawag kayo sa 911, sabihin n'yo kung ano ang nakita ninyo para maimbestigahan kaagad," he said

The appeal follows the alleged threat at Tolosa National High School in Leyte, which was prevented by authorities. 

According to Remulla, they received information from Senator Bam Aquino regarding a threat to shoot or stab inside the campus. When the CIDG investigated, they discovered that the threat originated from a 14-year-old female student.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering participating in school flag-raising ceremonies and other educational activities.

This consideration follows the occurrence of three violent incidents inside the school campuses: two stabbing incidents in Cavite, and the recent shooting incident where three students died while 20 others were hurt.

According to the PNP, they will collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) regarding this initiative.

The move aims to make the campuses safer and prevent crime within the facilities.

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara agreed with the Philippine National Police (PNP) that the firearm owner must be held accountable for the violence that happened at San Jose National High School. 

“Well sinabi rin naman ng PNP ‘to, papanagutin kung kanino nanggaling yung baril. Hindi naman po natural na may baril ang mga bata,” he said

[“Well, the PNP already said this, that whoever owned the gun will be held responsible. It is not natural for children to have firearms.”]

This comes amid existing commentaries to make the teachers and the principal accountable due to alleged negligence, which is why the suspects smoothly brought the firearms inside the campus. Other commentaries also blame the security personnel in the school.

Secretary Angara firmly believes that teachers and principals have no liability for the incident.

“Kasi kung hindi dahil sa mga guro, siguro mas maraming namatay dito. Yung principle hindi rin siguro,” he said

Angara is also willing to talk with the two minor suspects to understand their motives behind that incident.

“I'd like to talk to them.. with the view to understand ano iyong mindset nila,” he said

Currently, the department is reviewing the protocols regarding a to-do lists amid an active shooting incident inside the school.

With reports from JP Nuñez

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is working with the concerned agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and psychosocial interventions at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

“To address the immediate emotional toll of this tragedy, the Department is working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,” based on Angara’s issued statement

The assistance aims to support affected students and school personnel from the trauma brought by the shooting incident inside the school. 

The department expressed sympathy to families of the deceased students from the shooting incident. 

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” based on the issued statement