Manila, July 9 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to establish Safer School Zones (SSZs) nationwide and mobilize 277,744 barangay "tanod" or village cops to safeguard learners from crime, violence, traffic hazards, and other threats around schools.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037, the DILG institutionalizes SSZs under the government's Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative, where governors, city and municipal mayors, village chairpersons, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other stakeholders are directed to strengthen safety and security around public and private schools.

LGUs are directed to identify and address safety hazards and security r...