FOLLOWING a series of tragic incidents involving students in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has called on students, parents, and educators to prioritize early reporting and open communication to prevent campus violence and protect youth well-being.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Christopher Abrahano appealed directly to students who may be experiencing bullying, harassment, online abuse, threats, or emotional distress, assuring them that law enforcement and local institutions are ready to intervene.
“To our students, please know that you do not have to face your problems alone. If you feel that you are in trouble, if someone is threatening or hurting you, or if you are concerned about the safety of a friend or classmate, please tell your parents, teachers, school authorities, or approach the police,” PBGen. Abrahano stated.
The Metro Manila police chief emphasized that early intervention is vital in resolving conflicts before they escalate into violence.
To support this effort, the NCRPO is exploring the installation of anti-bullying help desks in schools, aligning with directives from Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Police capabilities extend beyond tactical security, including documenting threats, coordinating campus safety protocols with school administrators and barangay officials, and referring students to child-protection, social welfare, or mental health professionals.
PBGen. Abrahano noted that mental health struggles must be handled with compassion by qualified experts rather than viewed through a criminal lens.
Encouraging families to stay proactive, PBGen. Abrahano urged parents and guardians to reach out at the first sign of trouble.
“Reporting a concern is not an act of weakness—it can be an important step toward protecting a child. We would rather respond to a concern early than respond after harm has occurred,” he added.
