NCRPO urges schools to conduct locker, bag inspections vs. illegal drugs

National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday urged school officials to inspect bags and lockers of students to prevent the entry of illegal drugs in school premises.

"Sana ang mga school administration magkaroon sila ng way para mag-conduct ng surprise inspection sa mga bags and lockers na ang magsasagawa noon hindi pulis kung hindi sila rin," Eleazar said in JP Soriano's report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

Some school officials in Metro Manila said that such measure is already being implemented in some learning facilities but added that an official memorandum from the Department of Education is needed to establish clear protocols for the said inspections.

Meanwhile, Eleazar added that the police will focus on strengthening the anti-bullying campaign to protect the youth.

While acknowledging that there are existing school interventions against bullying, he still encouraged the victims and their parents to come forward and seek assistance from the women and children's desks of the Philippine National Police.

Around 11,000 police personnel were deployed in different schools across Metro Manila to ensure security on the opening of classes.

Eleazar said that they will closely monitor computer gaming shops and billiard halls near schools.

Owners of such establishments who will entertain elementary and high school students in school uniform and during class hours will have to face penalties, according to the police. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News