COTABATO CITY (August 20) — Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) has placed all its campuses under heightened alert, stepping up security measures in response to the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.
University President Atty. Cyrus Torreña said the decision is meant to protect students, faculty, staff, and school property as concerns over campus safety grow nationwide.
“The move also aims to safeguard the life, property, and overall well-being of the academic community; enhanced security protocols and entry procedures shall be strictly enforced,” Torreña said.
Under the new alert level, everyone entering SKSU campuses will undergo mandatory inspection by security personnel. The university has also restricted access to a single entry and exit point, with the main gate serving as the only authorized access until further notice.
SKSU’s main campus in Tacurong City, along with its sub-campuses in at least seven municipalities in Sultan Kudarat, will enforce a strict ban on firearms and other potentially dangerous items.
The university also prohibited illegal drugs, hazardous chemicals, and flammable materials within all campus grounds.
Torreña urged the university community to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious individuals, objects, or activities to campus security or authorities.
“The safety of everyone is our priority,” he said.
The move reflects a broader reassessment of campus security measures in schools across the country following the Zamboanga City incident, as institutions seek to balance open access to education with stronger safety protections.
