10/07/2026
READ | DILG urges LGUs to establish Safer School Zones, mobilize over 277,000 barangay tanods
Amid heightened public concern over recent incidents of violence involving learners, 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 tanods to help safeguard learners from crime, violence, traffic hazards, and other threats around schools.
The directive supports the Marcos administration's whole-of-nation approach to public safety and child protection by strengthening coordination among LGUs, schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities.
"Schools must remain places of learning, not places of fear. Through Safer School Zones, local governments, barangays, schools, law enforcement agencies, parents, and communities will work together to better protect every learner," the DILG said.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037, the DILG institutionalizes Safer School Zones under the government's Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative. Governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, 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 risks within school zones, including unsafe roads and pedestrian facilities, speeding vehicles, fire and disaster risks, and other threats to learners. They are likewise encouraged to enact or strengthen local ordinances on traffic management, pedestrian safety, crime prevention, violence prevention, and public order around schools.
Barangay tanods will serve as force multipliers by maintaining a visible presence, conducting roving patrols, assisting in traffic management, providing immediate assistance, and promptly reporting or referring incidents to the proper authorities.
The directive limits barangay tanod operations to areas outside school premises, except when authorized by school authorities or when immediate lawful assistance is necessary. It likewise reiterates that barangay tanods shall remain unarmed civilian community support actors and must immediately refer incidents requiring police, fire, medical, social welfare, or other specialized response to the appropriate authorities.
Based on consolidated DILG data, 277,744 barangay tanods serving in 42,010 barangays nationwide stand ready to support the implementation of the initiative by helping maintain peace and order and enhancing public safety around school communities.
The DILG said the Safer School Zones initiative reinforces the government's commitment to keeping schools safe through coordinated public safety measures, ensuring that every learner can study in a secure and orderly environment.
