Senator Sonny Angara is pushing for the passage of a bill that seeks to put in place tighter security measures in all colleges and universities in the country.
Senate Bill 946 mandates all higher education institutions and technical vocational institutions to establish a Crime Prevention Committee to formulate policies and strategies that would help protect the academic community from both internal and external threat to their safety and security, such as theft, robbery, rape and other forms of violence.
“Schools should be conducive to learning and intellectual discourse, not venues for violence and crime. We must ensure a safe and secure environment for students to pursue their studies within these institutions without fear for their physical well-being,” Angara said.
Under the bill, the Crime Prevention Committee should formulate a statement of policy concerning the security and access to campus facilities.
There should also be monitoring and recording, through local police agencies, of criminal activities committed by off-campus student organizations which are recognized by the institution and which count among its members the students attending the institution.
Furthermore, policies that encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and security of others, as well as policies that encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and appropriate police agencies shall be formulated.
“There has been a steady increase in the crime rate in campuses all over the country. Students need to know the measures undertaken by their institution, as well as courses of action in cases of emergency to guarantee security and expedient assistance,” Angara added.
The conduct of seminars and trainings on crime and drug prevention and control, in coordination with the National Police Commission regional office, local police station or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Patrol, will likewise be recommended to the college or university.