PNP to deploy over 33,000 cops for opening of classes

Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will dispatch over 33,000 personnel across the country to secure this year’s opening of classes.

In a statement on Monday, PNP said 33,286 personnel would be deployed for the safety of students, teachers and parents.

“The safety of our children as they return to school is our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to cooperate and report any suspicious activities to the nearest PAD or local authorities,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said.

READ: DepEd: Over 19 million students enrolled for SY 2024-2025

For emergency purposes and other safety concerns, Marbil said police assistance desks will be set up in schools.

At the same time, foot and mobile patrols will be conducted around school premises “to deter criminal activities and ensure prompt responses to any incidents.”

The PNP also said it would monitor areas hit by Carina, particularly the 842 schools that postponed starting their classes due to the effects of the typhoon.

The PNP participated in the “Brigada Eskwela” clean-up initiative, especially in areas affected by the calamity.

The Department of Education said 19,268,747 students were enrolled in public and private schools, alternative learning systems, and state universities and colleges, as of 9 a.m. on July 28.

Of this figure, 10,487,481 are elementary students, 5,851,382 are in junior high school, and 2,724,052 are in senior high school.