TACLOBAN CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) in the region has attributed a peaceful opening of classes on Monday, Aug. 22, to the police force in Eastern Visayas.
Police Regional Office 8 Director Brigadier General Rommel Marbil said they have deployed a considerable number of Philippine National Police personnel to ensure a safe and secure Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE).
"We are happy to be of help in this significant program of the DepEd along with other national agencies,” said Marbil.
“We believe that such is a shared responsibility. From our end, we commit ourselves in upholding peace and order in all of Eastern Visayas as classes formally start," he added.
As part of PRO8's initiative for the opening of in-person classes, a total of 2,984 personnel were deployed to man places of convergence to ensure the safety and security of the learners, teachers, and guardians.
Moreover, 169 personnel were stationed at private schools and 3,374 in public schools.
Meanwhile, 477 Police Assistance Desks (PADS) with 917 personnel were set up to cater to concerns, clarifications, and queries from the public.
The police have also beefed up their presence through patrolling in key areas in the region.
PRO8 has deployed 168 tactical motorcycle riders and 28 personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
A total of 211 personnel were assigned as bus marshals and 215 were positioned in transportation hubs.
Around 1,445 personnel were deployed as route security with the help of force multipliers.
During the Brigada Eskwela, the police also helped in cleaning the schools in preparation for the resumption of classes for over 1.1 million students in Region 8.