The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday hailed the Senate for its approval of two landmark child-protection bills aimed at boosting security in schools and online spaces.
Senate Bill No. 2426, also known as the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, seeks to establish a National School Safety Framework covering prevention, response and recovery from threats in schools.
It also requires localized safety plans that may include CCTV cameras, counseling services, emergency response systems, additional security and anonymous reporting. The measure also regulates the use of mobile devices during class hours.
The bill was approved amid renewed concerns over campus violence following the Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, where two students were killed and several others were wounded before the 16-year-old gunman took his own life.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 1819, or the proposed Sagip Bata Act, aims to address online sexual abuse and exploitation as well as emerging technology-enabled threats against children.
It covers grooming, luring, sexual extortion, image-based abuse, live-streamed exploitation, and AI-generated or manipulated sexual content involving children.
The measure also requires online platforms, internet intermediaries, payment service providers and virtual asset providers to strengthen child-safety measures, reporting mechanisms and digital evidence preservation.
In the same statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization stands ready to support the implementation of the Comprehensive School Safety Act and the Sagip Bata Act.
He added that these measures reinforce the need for stronger protection of children in both physical and digital spaces.
‘The PNP welcomes the Senate’s approval of these child-safety measures. We stand ready to work with DepEd, local governments, and communities to ensure schools remain secure and protective environments for our learners,’ he said.
Nartatez said the PNP is also focusing on threats that reach children through the internet, particularly as offenders use digital platforms to target young victims.
‘Our Anti-Cybercrime Group is intensifying monitoring of online platforms where children may be groomed, exploited, or recruited. We are strengthening digital forensics, evidence preservation, and coordination with service providers,’ the PNP chief said.
Nartatez also called on students facing threats or abuse to seek help immediately and report incidents to authorities.
‘To students who may be experiencing threats, bullying, grooming, or abuse, we want you to know the police are here to help. Report incidents immediately so we can act to protect you,’ the PNP chief said.