Metrobriefs

All set for school opening

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has assured the public of their safety as it laid out its security plans for the opening of classes next week. Anticipating that street criminals might take advantage of commuting students, NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima ordered the deployment of bus marshals and members of the motorized antistreet crime operatives on top of its regular patrol personnel. “Ensuring the safety and security of everybody at times like this is such a big responsibility.  But we believe that with unity and [the] cooperation of all stakeholders, we will achieve a common goal,” Purisima said in a statement. A total of 2,445 NCRPO personnel will be on duty when more than 1,000 public and private schools open their doors to millions of students next week. They will be supported by over 3,000 force multipliers composed of barangay watchmen and civic organizations, among others. Miko L. Morelos

Witness to stay in Bulacan

Alfred Mendiola, an accused who is being eyed as a state witness in the Venson Evangelista murder case, will remain under the protective custody of the Bulacan Provincial Jail despite moves to transfer him. A Quezon City court ruled that Mendiola would continue to stay at the provincial facility instead of the Metro Manila District Jail in Taguig City where the Dominguez brothers, whom he had tagged as the masterminds, are detained on car theft and homicide charges. This was after Judge Luisa Padilla of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 215 granted the motion of the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program that it be relieved of the responsibility of securing Mendiola.  Julie M. Aurelio