Cebu Town Implements Stricter Security, Total School Cellphone Ban Following Tacloban Shooting

Photo Courtesy of Mayor Gungun Gica

The local government has officially enforced a strict, zero-tolerance cellphone ban across all elementary and high schools in this southwestern Cebu municipality starting today, Monday, June 29, 2026.

The mandate, directed by Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica, marks a significant escalation from a transitional period last week. Moving forward, any mobile device found in a student’s possession inside school premises will be immediately confiscated and held by administration until the end of the school year.

Responding bluntly to initial pushback from parents concerned over communication barriers, Mayor Gica took to Facebook on Sunday to issue an ultimatum.

"There are no phones allowed in school," Gica stated. "If you do not wish to follow this policy, you have the option to transfer your children to another municipality."

A Rapid Security Response

The drastic measure is part of a sweeping, high-security campus overhaul initiated after a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City on June 22, which left three students dead and 20 others injured. Following an emergency meeting with local school heads, Dumanjug authorities sought to secure classrooms before any potential violence could replicate locally.

"We have to be serious about this. We cannot wait for something similar to what happened elsewhere before we act," Gica said during the policy roll-out.

Beyond the communication ban, the local government has integrated the device restriction with broader community discipline and safety ordinances. Campus gates are now guarded by security personnel 24 hours a day, and mandatory bag inspections have been instituted.

Restoring "Positive Values"

While catalyzed by safety threats, town leadership highlights that the policy also doubles as a major academic intervention. According to the local government, removing screens shifts the student focus back toward foundational education and critical social skills.

"We want our kids to read, study, and interact with their classmates," Gica emphasized. In public addresses, he urged parents to reinforce these habits at home, encouraging stronger family communication once students are out of the classroom.

Early indicators from local campuses, such as Dumanjug National High School, show students reverting to face-to-face games, peer interactions, and traditional socializing during school breaks.

Addressing Parental and Logistics Concerns

To balance safety with the sudden communications vacuum, the local government is finalizing structural support. Gica confirmed that he is meeting with school heads at 1:00 PM today to streamline administrative logistics.

Furthermore, to guarantee the safe transit of learners without relying on continuous digital tracking by guardians, the municipality is currently auditing the budget to purchase a fleet of dedicated school buses. Parents and guardians will also be allowed entry to campuses strictly under authorized security protocols to manage emergencies.

Concurrently, town executives have ordered a strict clampdown on youth-adjacent code violations. Local law enforcement will heavily monitor internet cafés—restricting students in Grade 10 and below from remaining inside past 8:00 PM—and strictly enforce a town-wide minor curfew alongside bans on underage smoking and drinking.