Region 7 DepEd Director Carolino Mordeno issued the warning amid a rising tide of fraternity violence that has resulted in a number of deaths among youth in Cebu, especially between members of arch rivals Tau Gamma and Akhro fraternities.

Mordeno said he has informed school principals in the region about the department’s policy against fraternities. However, most recruiters are school outsiders, he said.

Police Region 7 Office (PRO 7) Administrative Officer Erlina Comeros, meanwhile, said police visibility will be improved near the school premises to discourage recruitment of fraternity members.

Policemen in the different provinces in the region have been tasked to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, especially during the opening of classes in the "Balik Paaralan" program, Comeros said.

Improved police visibility is not only meant to deter recruitment of new frat members but also to secure the students and the people.

As the traffic situation is sure to worsen when classes open, Comeros said the policemen assigned at nearby schools are asked to help traffic enforcers, particularly in helping schoolchildren, cross the street safely.

Comeros also said they have coordinated with civic groups and barangay officials to help the police maintain peace and order especially in their respective communities.

Parents must also do their share in watching their kids and ensuring that they are well and safe.

Meanwhile, Mordeno said that only over 25 percent of public elementary pupils reported on the first day of classes when public schools opened last Monday on both elementary and secondary levels nationwide.