Nationwide rapid alert system eyed for school emergencies – PNP

MANILA, Philippines – Amid a string of security incidents in schools, the Philippine National Police (PNP) eyes the nationwide adoption of a rapid alert system to speed up the reporting and response to emergencies on school grounds.

In a statement on Thursday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency is looking into institutionalizing the “Build Partnership. Early Detection. Swift Alert. Tactical Response” (B.E.S.T.) School Alert and Rapid Response System.

READ: Quick reaction teams eyed to handle school emergencies

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The technology-based platform, developed by the Calabarzon regional office, allow schools, police and other local stakeholders to quickly report incidents, share information and coordinate responses during emergencies.

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“Technology is a critical aspect of our security and law enforcement, and our personnel must have access to modern facilities and training innovations to improve our security systems,” Nartatez said.

Under the Calabarzon pilot program, around 155 schools are expected to use the application as part of an organized alert and response mechanism.

PNP said it may coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to further develop and sustain the platform if it is expanded nationwide.

“We have skilled police experts, and we are also equipped with advanced technology that can help us elevate our emergency response techniques,” Nartatez said.

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“Now is the time to utilize them properly,” he added.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Department of the Interior and Local Government eyes the creation of quick reaction teams, in coordination with the PNP to respond to emergencies in schools.

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The latest incident occurred at Banga National High School on Sept. 18, where three minors were killed. /jpv