UST HAS ordered bag inspections at all building entrances and stricter enforcement of ID rules as it tightened campus security amid concerns over recent incidents of school violence in the country.
The enhanced measures, which took effect immediately, also require security inspections of vehicles and stricter screening of visitors entering the campus.
Under an advisory from the Campus Safety and Security Office (CSSO), students, faculty members, support staff, and other authorized persons must tap their University identification cards (IDs) upon entry and wear them visibly while on campus.
Visitors must enter through designated gates depending on their destination:
- Gate 2 (España Boulevard) — academic units and administrative offices
• Gate 7 (P. Noval Street) — Santísimo Rosario Parish
• Gate 14 (Lacson Avenue) — UST Hospital
They must present a valid government-issued ID and undergo security screening.
Vehicles entering the campus will be inspected using undercarriage mirrors, while drivers and passengers may be asked to roll down their windows.
Security personnel will increase patrols at campus entrances, corridors, stairwells, parking areas, and other common spaces.
Thomasians were urged to report suspicious behavior through the UST local hotline at 8222, mobile hotline at 0919-072-9940, or the national emergency hotline at 911.
When filing a report with the CSSO, Thomasians were advised to provide their name, exact location, nature of the concern, and a clear description of the person, object, or incident involved.
The University acknowledged that the stricter protocols could require additional time and called on the Thomasian community to cooperate.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays an important role in preventing incidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of all within the University,” read the memorandum on enhanced security measures from the Office of the Secretary General.
The measures build on UST’s earlier efforts to strengthen its response to security threats.
In June, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. told the Varsitarian that the University was reviewing its campus safety procedures following incidents of school violence in the country.
READ: UST eyes more safety drills amid calls for tighter school security
Assoc. Prof. Juliano Parena, CSSO director, earlier said UST was coordinating with Barangay 465, the Manila Police District, and police units assigned to the University Belt.
Security reviews in schools followed a shooting at a school in Tacloban City on June 22 that killed three students and injured at least 20 others. On Aug. 18, a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga left two students dead, including the shooter.
In response to concerns over school violence, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno issued an executive order on June 24 creating the Manila School and Community Task Force to safeguard public schools against armed violence.
UST, through the CSSO, later released its “Active Threat Preparedness, Emergency Response Procedures” guidelines, advising Thomasians to follow the “Avoid, Deny, Defend” principles during emergencies. Jed L. Ampongan
