MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police on Thursday said part of the security it will provide for the resumption of classes this June will include addressing cases of bullying, its spokesman said.
Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said PNP police assistance desks will be established near major school campuses and clustered schools nationwide where students can go to in case there are security concerns they would like to report.
“Kasama ang bullying sa tinitingnan ng PNP in coordination sa mga school authorities, and even sa mga Parent-Teachers Association, NGOs [non-government units] at iba pang civic organizations na may parehong advocacy (Bullying is included among the concerns of the PNP in coordination with school authorities and even among Parent-Teachers Association, NGOs and other civic organizations with similar advocacy),” Cerbo said.
He assured airports and seaports, transport terminals, business establishments and other areas of convergence will also be secured.
He added PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima, ordered the deployment of teams to be strictly provided with safety and security measures as people are expected to return from their vacation at the end of May to conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to all-learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises to ensure public safety.
“We also would like to warn the public, especially the students to be more vigilant while going to school particularly on public-utility jeepneys, buses and trains where criminals could take advantage,” Purisima said.
Cerbo said the PNP will also designate officers to specifically coordinate with concerned local government units regarding the strict implementation of the zoning ordinance prohibiting the existence of computer shops offering network games, billiard halls and other establishments of recreational activities near the schools that could distract students.
If unnecessary actions or suspicious person or group are observed, Purisima advised the public to immediately report or go to the nearest Police Assistance Desks or Police Stations, or through PNP hotlines I-Text Mo Kay TSIP 0917-84757557 and PNP TXT 2920.