Additional security in schools pushed

Mayor Osmeña not surprised that illegal drug trade has reached public schools in the city

THE Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division will implement additional security measures in all public high schools in the city.

The move came after Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Director Yogi Ruiz received reports that illegal drugs are being sold in eight public secondary schools.

“Although we have yet to verify the reports, we don’t need to confirm anything before we respond. That’s why I im- mediately called a meeting today (yesterday) with all the district supervisors for them to coordinate with the principals in all 59 public high schools,” Ruiz told Sun. Star Cebu in a phone interview yesterday.

Ruiz believes the matter is the biggest issue to hit DepEd so far.

School’s Division Superintendent Bianito Dagatan said they will be working with PDEA in the verification and surveillance of the different pub- lic schools.

They will also coordinate with the local police and the barangays to help safeguard school campuses from illegal drug traders.

“We also instructed the schools to create activities that will encourage well-being. We’re also working on training student leaders, through their student councils, to help us intensify our information campaign. This is not just our concern but everybody’s,” he added.

Dagatan also said they will coordinate with the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council so a random drug testing in schools will be implemented.

DepEd earlier announced that random drug testing on students, teachers and non-teaching personnel in public schools being monitored by PDEA will be conducted by 2017.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña, in a news conference yesterday, said he is not surprised that the illegal drug trade has reached the schools.

“I’m not surprised. There’s probably (illegal drugs) in every school because it’s everywhere. I’m presuming PDEA will act on it and they have my support. Our police chief is doing daily arrests and he’s doing a better job,” he said.

Osmeña said the City Government has asked a private party, whom he did not name, to help provide technical assistance in securing schools and the community from ille- gal drug peddlers.

Part of the plan, he said, is the acquisition of 100 K9 units and hire 100 dog handlers that will man schools, barangays, crossroads and nightclubs.

“As soon as I can get the technical assistance, I will not wait for next year or the year after to do it. I’m willing to fund (the acquisition of K9 dogs). It’s just a matter of time. We’re not going to borrow from the National Government. We’ll work on our own,” the mayor said.