PNP downgrades alert level to normal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has downgraded its alert level from full alert to normal after the conclusion of major events including the midterm elections, PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday.

Albayalde said the downgrading of the alert level excludes Mindanao where martial law is in force.

He said directors of Police Regional Offices 1 to 8, Cordillera, and Metro Manila were given the discretion to raise the alert level if they find it necessary based on the threat situation in their respective areas.

“Our police force will continue to be aggressive and intelligence-driven against criminal gangs, terrorists, and lawless elements as we intensify our focused police operations to address threats and violence,” Albayalde said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the PNP will field around 120,000 personnel to secure the opening of classes in June.

“Along with these efforts, we set our plans with enough number of the police force to be deployed to launch mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways for the 2019 Balik Eskwela leading to all schools and other learning institutions,” Albayalde added.

Albayalde said the PNP will also establish police assistance desks in schools nationwide in coordination with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, school authorities, local government units, and force multipliers from villages.

He said the police may also conduct an inspection of dormitories and schools upon invitation by school authorities.

He added that the police will also establish task units to address bullying in schools, the presence of improvised explosive devices, and other threats. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

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