VM Bebot pushes Safe Schools Ordinance amid online threats

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez underscored the urgency of the proposed Safe Schools Ordinance she filed last month in light of recent school shooting incidents reported in different parts of the country and an online threat directed at schools, including Bulua National High School and Bugo National High School.

The measure, which she co-authored with Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive, multi-sectoral school protection and threat prevention system in all public and private educational institutions in Cagayan de Oro City.

Among its key provisions are mandatory threat assessment protocols, reporting and referral mechanisms, mental health support services, physical security infrastructure, emergency alert systems, campus access control, law enforcement coordination, and responsible firearm safety education. The proposed ordinance aims to prevent and mitigate school shootings, gun violence, and other forms of violence while reinforcing schools as designated peace zones.

Vice Mayor Bebot shared that the proposed ordinance was crafted following the recommendation of the City Peace and Order Council, recognizing the need for a localized policy that will institutionalize coordinated measures to address emerging security threats in schools.

She emphasized that schools should remain places where learners can study without fear and where teachers and school personnel can carry out their duties in a safe and secure environment.

The vice mayor also disclosed that the proposed measure will soon be taken up in a committee meeting to gather inputs from concerned agencies and stakeholders, to further strengthen the ordinance before it is presented for approval by the members of the 21^st city council. (SPE/SP)