PNP intensifies patrols at shopping areas ahead of school opening

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the law enforcement agency to bolster its patrol operations in shopping areas ahead of the opening of School Year 2026–2027.

“Shopping districts such as Divisoria, Quiapo–Recto–Sta. Cruz, Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, and major supermalls in Metro Manila and nationwide have reported earlier foot traffic from parents and students buying school supplies,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.

He added that the development prompted him to “[order] increased police visibility and foot patrols in identified high-density shopping zones to deter petty crimes that usually spike during seasonal shopping periods.”

READ: PNP boosts patrols to curb crime vs youth as school year starts

The top cop attributed the earlier foot traffic at shopping areas for school supplies to the adoption of a trimester schedule starting School Year 2026–2027.

School Year 2026–2027 is scheduled to begin on June 8, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

But, under the trimester system, the school year is divided into three terms: the first from June to early September; the second from mid-September to early December; the third from January to March 2027

“The PNP has proactively recalibrated its deployment strategy to meet this shift,” Nartatez said.

The top cop also noted that the PNP’s regional and local units are on high alert for security measures for the upcoming school year opening, deploying K9 units and covert personnel as well as coordinating with barangay officials and mall security teams. /mr