CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Mayor Nestor D. Archival has ordered the creation of the Cebu City Task Force Against School Violence to address the growing threat of violence in schools and strengthen campus security across the city.
Under Executive Order No. 088, Series of 2026, Archival established a multi-sectoral body tasked with coordinating policies, programs and interventions aimed at ensuring schools remain safe spaces for students, teachers and school personnel.
The executive order follows recent incidents of gun violence involving minors inside school premises, highlighting the need for a coordinated framework to protect learners and prevent weapons from entering educational institutions.
The order cites the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees respect for human rights and the protection of children’s welfare, as well as the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local government units to promote public safety and general welfare.
It also draws legal basis from Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013; and Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act, all of which underscore the importance of providing safe, supportive and child-friendly learning environments.
According to the executive order, recent violent incidents involving minors exposed vulnerabilities in school safety systems and underscored the need for stronger preventive measures.
Archival said school safety requires an institutionalized and multi-sectoral approach that integrates law enforcement, governance, psychosocial support and community participation.
The task force will be chaired by the mayor, with Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña serving as vice chairperson.
Its members will include representatives from the Cebu City Council committees on education, public order and health; the Liga ng mga Barangay; the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation; the Cebu City Police Office; the Local School Board; the Department of Education Cebu City Division; the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VII; the Department of Social Welfare and Services; and the Cebu City Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) Federation.
The executive order also allows the participation of civil society organizations, youth groups and mental health professionals.
Among the task force’s primary objectives are promoting safe and inclusive learning environments, preventing school violence and substance abuse, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, improving emergency preparedness, and advancing mental health awareness in schools.
Its responsibilities include conducting school safety risk assessments, developing standardized emergency response protocols, coordinating safety inspections, recommending security enhancements, establishing referral mechanisms for at-risk youth, providing psychosocial support, conducting advocacy campaigns, and recommending legislative or administrative measures to the Cebu City Council.
The task force is also required to submit and publish an annual accomplishment report to monitor its progress and identify areas for improvement.
The executive order took effect immediately and will remain in force until amended or revoked.
Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL
