Police go on alert for school opening

MANILA, Philippines—Police all over the country will be on full alert for the opening of classes next week when some 25 million students troop back to schools.

Philippine National Police Director General Raul M. Bacalzo placed the 138,000-strong force under full alert to keep students safe from pickpockets, snatchers, swindlers, drug pushers and reckless motorists, among others.

Bacalzo ordered police units to increase visibility and readiness for the Balik Eskwela (Back to School) 2011 operations.

In Metro Manila, the 16,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office will field personnel near schools on foot and mobile patrols.

The NCRPO led by Chief Supt. Alan Purisima will also establish police assistance desks with the goal of “zero crime incidence in all school and university areas.”

Bacalzo said his instructions on Balik Eskwela 2011 would ensure the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns, including threats from criminal elements that may take advantage of the situation.

The PNP chief also gave regional directors the discretionary authority to raise alert levels as they deem necessary to implement their respective security and public safety plans.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz said the police will be on the lookout for street criminals, such as pickpockets, snatchers, swindlers, robbers and drug traffickers.

Police patrols in the vicinity of schools will be on the lookout for drug pushers and street gangs that may infiltrate the ranks of students, Cruz said.

Local PNP units were instructed to coordinate closely with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education and the Commission of Higher Education to ensure the safety and security of students, the official said.

In coordination with other government agencies, the NCRPO will also lead in traffic management operations in the vicinity of schools, particularly in the University Belt in Manila.

Similar security measures will be implemented in seaports, airports and land transport terminals in anticipation of the heavy volume of incoming students from the provinces.