Manila, Aug. 17 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed new guidelines issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) regulating police activities and the presence of firearms on school premises to help ensure the safety of learners.

In a statement, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed police units to coordinate with school heads before conducting school activities and to refrain from displaying or bringing firearms into classrooms and learning areas during routine school engagements, consistent with applicable rules and operational requirements.

"The safety and well-being of our children remain our priority. Police presence in schools should provide a sense of security and partnership, not fear or intimidation...