(Eagle News)—-The Department of Education on Tuesday, March 12, reminded schools to tighten their security following the brutal slay of a Grade 9 student in Cebu.
In a statement, the DepEd said the Schools Division Office of Lapu-Lapu City already issued a memorandum to all public and private elementary and secondary schools to this effect.
The DepEd said schools should also restrict practices for school presentations and other school-related activities until 5 p.m. only; instruct school heads to advise learners to bring packed lunch or snacks instead of buying food outside school premises; ensure that fully functional closed-circuit television cameras are installed in strategic areas; request additional presence of police or barangay tanod in the area; and advise students to always go in groups when out on the streets, especially when it is already dark.
“As the Department calls on the local government unit and the police to swiftly bring to justice the cold-blooded criminals, it likewise enjoins the public in the shared responsibility of protecting children from all forms of abuse, violence, exploitation, and threat,” the DepEd said.
The DepEd also extended its condolences to family of Christine Silawan, 16, whose dead body was found in vacant lot in Barangay Bangkal on Monday, March 10.
The head of the student from Maribago High School had been skinned, exposing her skull, and there were signs she had been raped, the police said.
The police have said they had launched a manhunt operation against the three men who were the last persons seen with Silawan before she was found dead by passersby.
The DepEd also requested the DepEd community for “voluntary contribution to provide the bereaved with adequate financial assistance.”