PNP deploys personnel in schools ahead of opening of classes

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday that they deployed police officers on school premises to ensure the safety of students who are set to return to in-person classes starting Monday, August 22.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that police assistance desks, usually set up in front of schools, will not only help the learners, but also the teachers, and parents or guardians.

She added that mobile patrols will also be deployed to monitor the situation in areas near schools to prevent petty crimes.

“Handang-handa na po ang seguridad na ilalatag ng PNP para sa pormal na pagbubukas ng klase bukas. May mga naka-deploy na tayong PNP personnel lalong-lalo na diyan sa mga areas na malalapit sa eskwelahan, including the police assistance desk na ilalagay natin malapit sa mga eskwelahan,” Fajardo said.

(The security plan prepared by the PNP is ready for the formal opening of classes tomorrow. We have deployed PNP personnel, especially in the areas that are close to the schools, including police assistance desks that will be placed near the schools.)

She also said that several school administrators allowed police to also patrol within school grounds to allay the fears and concerns of the students.

“May mga ibang schools po na pinayagan ang police assistance desk doon po mismo sa loob ng mga eskwelahan. Maganda rin po ang naging response ng DepEd pati na rin ‘yung school administrators kasi may ibang schools na humiling pa nga na kahit papaano ay makapasok ‘yung mga pulis natin sa school,” she added.

(Other schools allowed the police assistance desk to be set up inside the schools. The response of the DepEd and school administrators has been positive, with several schools even requesting to have policemen enter the schools.)

The PNP on Wednesday said around 23,000 personnel are set to be deployed in schools and police desks for the resumption of face-to-face classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. — DVM, GMA News