By Mike Crismundo
CAMP COLONEL RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) based here today ordered all field units to set up police assistance desks in all public schools and even private schools during the opening of classes next week, June 4.
(Keith Bacongco/MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The PRO 13 also ordered all provincial and city police offices as well as municipal police offices to establish signage’s in their respective police assistance desks so that students can immediately report any untoward incident in their respective schools.
PRO 13 regional director Chief Supt. Noli A. Romana said police officers shall be assigned in schools during the opening of classes.
“All field unit police directors (provincial and city) and municipal chiefs of police should supervise the round-the-clock foot patrols of their respective men and this must also take place on a round-the-clock basis,” the region’s police chief said.
The targeted enhanced police presence in schools is in support of the “Oplan Balik Eskwela Interagency Task Force” of the Department of Education where the DILG and PNP are among the member-agencies.
Romana also said all field units should also intensify its crime prevention programs in schools.
He added that police officers assigned in schools during the school opening should take the opportunity to distribute leaflets and flyers on anti-bullying, anti-illegal drugs, and anti-crime tips to educate them on how to deal with such challenges.
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also encouraged various local government units (LGUs) to convene their respective Peace and Order Councils (POCs), Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to carry out necessary preparations, anticipate requirements and employ corresponding necessary measures during the opening of classes next week, it was also learned.
The LGUs are also enjoined to ensure that road networks leading to schools are secure, clean of hard objects and debris and all road constructions are clearly marked with signage.