23K cops to ensure safe school opening —PNP

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said around 23,000 personnel are set to be deployed in the premises of schools and police desks for the safe return of students in schools next week.

“We will be deploying more or less 23,000 PNP personnel na ipapakalat natin nationwide particularly dyan sa mga premises po ng eskwelahan,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said at a public briefing.

Aside from school premises, the cops will also be stationed at police assistance desks where parents and students may report security concerns.

On Tuesday, the PNP said it has forwarded its Ligtas Balik-Eskwela SY 2022-2023 operational guidelines and procedures to all its units.

The guidelines include intensified law enforcement activities at learning institutions, transportation hubs and places of convergence to prevent crimes.

According to the PNP, COVID-19 patrol officers would also be deployed to enforce minimum public health standards.

Unit commanders will meet with school authorities and parents and teachers associations to provide public safety services like illegal drugs prevention, education and other anti-criminality programs.

Mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to campuses will be conducted.

Police will coordinate with local government units on the strict implementation of zoning ordinances that prohibit video game shops, billiard establishments, and other distractive games and recreation within the immediate vicinity of schools, particularly in the university belt area of Manila.

Classes are set to resume on August 22.—LDF, GMA News