Police chief assures public of safe class opening in Metro

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila police chief reassured the public, on Sunday, that its officers have fully prepared security plans to ensure a safe opening of classes for students on Monday.

In a statement, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Alan Purisima said a security coverage crafted for the school opening has been put in place, tapping community leaders and organizations, as well as other government agencies, to ensure the public’s safety.

“We put premium on the safety and security of our students here in Metro Manila, especially those in the elementary and high school,” he said in a statement. He added that criminals and opportunities would try to take advantage of the students’ vulnerability.

The NCRPO said policemen would be deployed around schools, passenger terminals and crime-prone locations in what they called security containment rings.

Aside from providing security, some of its personnel would oversee “the smooth flow of traffic to ensure the safety and security of motorists, commuters and the general public alike,” the official said.

Purisima also dispatched the NCRPO’s tactical motorcycle riders to further extend the authorities’ presence, making them more mobile and dynamic should thugs riding in motorcycle strike during the school opening.

“We want to assure the public that the NCRPO has already prepared all the needed measures to ensure the smooth and sound opening of classes in the Metro Manila,” Purisima said.

Police officers detailed at their beats would be augmented by public safety battalions from the five police districts in Metro Manila and from the NCRPO’s contingent, according to the official.

He also asked the public to report untoward incidents to police assistance desks, to be placed near schools.