Manila, Oct. 15 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the deployment of barangay tanods (village watchmen) to help ensure school safety nationwide.

The DepEd signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) with the DILG for a joint school safety audit and drill at the Bangkal High School in Makati, amid the observance of the National School Safety Week.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said this partnership is crucial as the agency seeks to boost its school security efforts following school violence incidents in parts of the country.

"Alam natin na ang presensya ng mga security personnel sa isang lugar ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na kapanataga...