PNP security plan set in motion ahead of reopening of classes

Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ahead of school opening in June, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome, mobilized his men Monday to conduct a nationwide security and public safety plan against street crimes near schools.

As ordered by the PNP leadership, Police Director Samuel Diciano, PNP Director for Operations, issued a memorandum mobilizing all PNP Regional Offices and National Support Units to perform specific tasks and coordinate instructions for the protection of around 30 million students who are expected to troop to their schools for the simultaneous opening of classes in both public and private schools starting on June 4.

“The memorandum directed all Police Regional Offices to ensure 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 statement said.

PNP Spokesman, Senior Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., said the priority concern of police are street crimes such as pickpocket, snatching, swindling, robbery/hold-up, and street-level drug trafficking.

“Police patrols in the vicinity of schools will also be on the look-out for drug traffickers and violent street gangs that may infiltrate the ranks of students,” he said.

In Metro Manila, PNP said that 16,000 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be deployed in strategic areas within the vicinity of schools for foot, mobile and police visibility patrols with the strategic goal of “zero crime incident in all school and university areas”.

A Police Assistance Desk manned by Barangay (village) National Capital Region Police (BPAT), will also be established, PNP said, along with Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives to complement foot and mobile patrol operations of BPAT and local police units in vicinity of schools.

In coordination with local government units, the Transportation and Communications department, and the Metro Manila Development Authority, NCRPO will also spearhead traffic management operations in the vicinity of schools particularly in the University Belt area of Manila.

Cerbo said similar security measures will be implemented in seaports, airports, and land transport terminals in anticipation of the heavy volume of incoming passengers from the provinces, mostly transient students returning to the city to attend school.

The opening of classes in June is the culmination of the 3-month Oplan Summer Vacation launched in March.