Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday said they are now considering the adoption of a technology-driven platform that will strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, schools, and local stakeholders to address security concerns in educational institutions across the country.
The PNP chief, in a statement, said the move seeks to expand the ‘Build Partnership. Early Detection. Swift Alert. Tactical Response’ (B.E.S.T.) School Alert and Rapid Response System, an initiative developed by the Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) to facilitate immediate reporting, information-sharing, and action during emergencies and security incidents in schools.
‘We are exploring the institutionalization of this rapid response system to further help us identify and respond to threats in schools, as well as ensure better coordination and swift action in any incident or challenge,’ Nartatez said.
The proposed system came amid growing concerns over recent incidents reported within school premises in various parts of the country.
Under the Calabarzon pilot implementation, about 155 schools are set to utilize the application as part of an organized alert and response mechanism that allows faster coordination among authorities and concerned agencies.
‘Technology is a critical aspect of our security and law enforcement, and our personnel must have access to modern facilities and training innovations to improve our security systems,’ Nartatez said.
The PNP chief also emphasized that law enforcement agencies must continue adapting to changing threats by maximizing available tools and resources.
The PNP is also looking to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as part of efforts to further develop and sustain the platform should it be rolled out on a wider scale.
‘We have skilled police experts, and we are also equipped with advanced technology that can help us elevate our emergency response techniques. Now is the time to utilize them properly,’ Nartatez noted.
Meanwhile, the PNP chief commended the Calabarzon police for developing a practical response tool that could serve as a model for other police offices and units nationwide.
‘The best practices of one police unit can actually bring the needed improvement in our system to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for our children,’ he shared.