PNP: Over 33K personnel to secure School Year 2024-2025 opening

More than 33,000 police personnel are designated for the security of the opening of classes for School Year 2024-2025 on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“In anticipation of the opening of classes today, the PNP has announced its comprehensive readiness to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and parents nationwide,” the PNP said in a statement.

“The PNP will deploy a total of 33,286 personnel to various schools throughout the country to ensure an orderly start to the academic year.” 

The PNP said police assistance desks (PADs) will respond to safety concerns and will give immediate assistance in schools, and foot and mobile patrols will be done around campus premises to prevent crimes as well as ensure swift actions to possible incidents.

The PNP said it will also extend assistance to schools that postponed their class opening due to the damage caused by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclone Carina last week.

“In light of Typhoon Carina, the Department of Education has postponed the start of classes for 842 public schools across five regions. The PNP is committed to closely monitor these areas and provide necessary assistance to affected communities,” it said.

The police also contributed to Brigada Eskwela clean-up efforts in areas affected by the inclement weather to ensure that students will use safe and clean classrooms and campus facilities.

On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) officially opened School Year 2024-2025 despite the impact of the recent weather disturbances that hit the country.

Based on DepEd’s enrollment data as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, there were 19,268,747 students enrolled so far in both public and private schools, including state and local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs), and the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

“The safety of our children as they return to school is our utmost priority,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said.

“We encourage everyone to cooperate and report any suspicious activities to the nearest PAD or local authorities.” —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News