PNP help desks in schools to remain until situation stabilizes

POLICE assistance desks (PADs) near schools will remain in place for the first weeks of school opening nationwide, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

Until the situation has stabilized and the flow of human traffic has normalized, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said the PNP would maintain the police assistance desks in schools in Metro Manila and in various regions.

In a chance interview on Monday, the PNP officer in charge said it is up to the discretion of ground commanders, in coordination with school authorities, when to pull out the PADs.

“Kung hindi naman kailangan ng ganon karami, magbabawas tayo ng tao. Kung kailangan pa, itutuloy natin,” he said.

Espina said the PNP is working together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for lawless elements who might take advantage of students traveling from different provinces to Metro Manila.

About 25 million students went back to public and private schools across the country on Monday.

Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias said in a press briefing that the first day of school opening was generally peaceful.

Tobias said that while most officers are focused on providing security to schools and students, the PNP would continue to discharge ordinary police functions. AC