In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety and security of students, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), has urged the deployment of Barangay Tanods in public schools nationwide for School Year 2025–2026.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-072, barangays are enjoined to work closely with DepEd schools within their jurisdiction to assign tanods who will manage traffic during arrival and dismissal, patrol school premises and nearby areas frequented by students, monitor and report incidents that may threaten safety, and perform other lawful duties assigned by the Punong Barangay or the police to secure school zones.

City and municipal mayors are likewise urged to provide full logistical support to barangays to ensure the effective implementation of this initiative.

Authorized under Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, tanods serve as community service units to assist in peace and order efforts. This school safety drive builds on their existing mandate under DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-086, which includes patrolling communities, securing high-risk areas, preventing crime, and assisting in traffic management.

The DILG calls on all local governments, school officials, and communities to work together in making every learning space in the country safe and secure for Filipino learners.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Ligtas-na-Paaralan-DILG-Deploys-Barangay-Tanods-to-Strengthen-School-Safety-Nationwide/NC-2025-1143