PASIG CITY, September 18, 2018 – “The theft and improper use of DepEd property, including Department-issued laptops, computers, and other devices will not be tolerated.”

This was the stern warning of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones to the public, following a successful entrapment operation conducted earlier this month by a Joint Special Operations Group from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Special Operations Group
The Joint Special Operations Group, composed of DepEd, the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Police Station 5-Fairview, conducted an entrapment operation against a suspected seller of a DepEd-owned laptop.

The laptop, part of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) package, was seen at a marketplace section of a popular social media site.

Upon discovery of the “for sale” post of the blue DepEd-issued laptop, its Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), along with the DepEd-Central Security and Safety Office (CSSO), immediately coordinated with the QCPD to devise a plan to entrap the seller.

The item was found displayed on a stall in a mall in Novaliches, where a DepEd employee posing as a buyer confirmed that it was DepEd property upon seeing the visible DepEd logo and the same logo appearing upon startup. The laptop also bore the distinguishing blue color intended for all items under the DCP package.

Upon confirmation, operatives proceeded to arrest the sellers in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1612, or the Anti-Fencing Law.

Secretary Briones expressed her gratitude to the QCPD for their invaluable assistance and quick response to the report.

“Our urgent report, met by the swift action of the QCPD-DSOU, has led to the arrest of the offenders, and for this we are very grateful,” Briones said.

Spotting DCP Units
ICTS Director Abram Abanil also issued a reminder to DepEd personnel and the public regarding units under the DCP: “As we have mentioned earlier this year, DepEd has ensured that all DCP units are colored blue to ensure easy identification and also serve as a simple security feature.”

Earlier this year, DepEd held a joint press conference with the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to introduce the DCP and to call for the support of the community in safeguarding these computer packages intended for learners. Both PNP and DILG pledged support to the protection of public schools and their properties.

“We reiterate our call for continued vigilance by our partners, stakeholders, and the community in protecting these valuable pieces of equipment. We recognize that these incidents happen, and we are also taking measures to help prevent further incidents in the future,” Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua stressed.

Pascua further added that DepEd will be pursuing legal action against all violators.

Reports of theft and other similar incidents may be directed to: depedtayo@deped.gov.ph or dcpconcerns@deped.gov.ph, or through (02) 633-7206, (02) 637-6207, and +639260320762.

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