23/06/2026
In light of the recent incidents of violence within school grounds in various parts of the country, the DepEd - Schools Division of Dipolog City reiterates and reinforces the following Bag Inspection Guidelines in all public elementary and secondary schools within this division pursuant to DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026. All School Heads and School DRRM Coordinators are hereby directed to immediately undertake the following mitigating measures:
A. Tighten Security Check at School Gates. All schools shall conduct mandatory bag inspection for all learners, personnel, and visitors at school entrance gates during routine entry checks. Inspections must be performed strictly in accordance with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, which authorizes only licensed security personnel as primary inspectors, or designated non-teaching staff and authorized SPTA members as secondary, in the absence of security guards. Only authorized non-contact methods shall be employed, including electronic scanners, handheld metal detectors, and search sticks. “Stop and Frisk” procedures, physical pat-downs, and touching of personal belongings are strictly prohibited. In cases where reasonable suspicion exists, the concerned learner shall be escorted to the Principal’s Office in the presence of the Guidance Counselor or designated staff for a full and dignified search;
B. Coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Barangay Officials for Security Visibility. All School Heads are directed to immediately establish or reinforce coordination with the nearest PNP Station and Barangay Officials for regular police visibility during school hours and during arrival and dismissal periods. Schools shall formally request the deployment of roving patrol units within the school vicinity and adjacent areas. This measure is aligned with the inter-agency coordination framework under DepEd Order No. 44, s. 2018, and the mandate of Local Government Units to support the safety and welfare of learners within their territorial jurisdiction. A received copy of a formal letter of coordination with the barangay shall be submitted to the Division DRRM Coordinator within five (5) working days from the publication of this Memorandum;
C. Intensify Anti-Bullying Campaign in Schools. In accordance with Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations under DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013, all schools are directed to conduct immediate and intensified anti-bullying campaigns within this school year. Schools shall review and update their Anti-Bullying Policies and Action Plans; ensure that the Child Protection Committee (CPC) is activated and operational; organize homeroom guidance sessions focused on positive peer relationships, conflict resolution, and reporting mechanisms; post visible anti-bullying pledge boards and reporting channels (drop boxes, teacher-assigned contacts); and conduct capability-building for teachers and non-teaching personnel on early detection of bullying and violence indicators. All incidents of bullying, threats, and violence shall be documented and reported to the School’s Child Protection Committee and the Division Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO)
