- DepEd XI deploys 512 metal detectors, 1,295 guards for Davao Region schools
THE DEPARTMENT of Education XI is bolstering security infrastructure across public schools in the region, deploying 512 metal detectors alongside widespread CCTV installations, perimeter fencing, and security personnel as part of its ongoing safety audit.
According to official data from DepEd XI’s School Safety and Security Audit Round 2 Tracker as of Aug. 10, 2026, the region currently maintains a network of 1,423 schools with perimeter fencing, 1,295 deployed security personnel, 771 CCTV systems, 554 Public Address (PA) systems, and 512 handheld metal detectors.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Aug. 19, DepEd XI spokesperson Jenielito Atillo highlighted that Davao City leads the region in security resources, accounting for 186 metal detectors, 420 security personnel, 273 fenced campuses, 172 CCTVs, and 143 PA systems.
“While we cannot immediately equip every single school due to budget limitations, this procurement and inventory demonstrate our proactive commitment to campus safety,” Atillo told reporters, adding that the agency aims to purchase additional handheld units as funds become available.
Regional breakdown
According to DepEd XI, the security deployments across all 11 school divisions in Region XI included the following:
- Davao City: 186 metal detectors | 420 security personnel | 273 perimeter fences | 172 CCTVs | 143 PA systems
- Davao del Norte: 61 metal detectors | 180 security personnel | 165 perimeter fences | 130 CCTVs | 93 PA systems
- Davao de Oro: 57 metal detectors | 107 security personnel | 210 perimeter fences | 128 CCTVs | 77 PA systems
- Davao Occidental: 44 metal detectors | 161 security personnel | 166 perimeter fences | 30 CCTVs | 43 PA systems
- Panabo City: 39 metal detectors | 42 security personnel | 44 perimeter fences | 42 CCTVs | 19 PA systems
- Davao del Sur: 33 metal detectors | 126 security personnel | 178 perimeter fences | 118 CCTVs | 74 PA systems
- Davao Oriental: 24 metal detectors | 132 security personnel | 226 perimeter fences | 50 CCTVs | 46 PA systems
- Digos City: 24 metal detectors | 37 security personnel | 38 perimeter fences | 20 CCTVs | 16 PA systems
- Mati City: 20 metal detectors | 34 security personnel | 50 perimeter fences | 16 CCTVs | 13 PA systems
- Tagum City: 18 metal detectors | 43 security personnel | 37 perimeter fences | 35 CCTVs | 18 PA systems
- Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS): 6 metal detectors | 13 security personnel | 36 perimeter fences | 30 CCTVs | 12 PA systems
Strict entry & inspection protocols
Atillo said the handheld metal detectors form only one layer of defense on top of security guards, vehicle inspections, and strict entry protocols.
Under existing guidelines, all individuals—including teachers, students, parents, and administrative staff—must undergo mandatory screening at school gates. Bag checks for learners follow a standard “plain view” protocol. However, if reasonable suspicion arises, a secondary check is conducted in the principal’s office with the learner present.
Vehicles entering campus grounds are subject to driver’s license verification, a mandatory “windows down” policy, and trunk checks.
Furthermore, active law enforcement officers or military personnel visiting campuses must surrender firearms to designated school safety officers upon entry.
DCPO support
PMAJ Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), confirmed that local police are intensifying mobile and foot patrols around school gates during peak arrival and dismissal hours to assist security guards.
Atillo expressed relief that no security breaches have occurred in Region XI, but he called on parents to inspect their children’s belongings at home before sending them to school.
“Security is a shared responsibility among the home, the community, and the school,” Atillo said. “Teachers are there to deliver lessons, and it is inappropriate to place the sole burden of security on them. With thousands of students and limited guards per school, parents must be our first line of defense at home.”
