Police forces across the country, especially in Metro Manila and other urban areas, will remain on full alert status this week in preparation for the start of the full face-to-face classes starting Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they have already coordinated with school officials and the Department of Education in crafting security measures to ensure the safety of students and school personnel, particularly teachers.
"Police units are poised to implement a major security plan in coordination with school officials and local government authorities for this nationwide simultaneous academic activity that is happening for the first time after almost two years due health restrictions," said Azurin.
Among the security preparations are road safety and security of areas near the schools.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the full alert status, which was declared for all police units nationwide, will be extended until Nov. 4 in anticipation of the full face-to-face classes.
"Our concentration of our deployment is here in Metro Manila, that is why the full alert status will be until Nov. 4. But our field commanders, particularly regional commanders, are given full discretion to extend this status especially that we are still observing Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days)," said Fajardo.
"This is to ensure that there will be sufficient personnel to man police assistance desks in schools to help the students, teachers and parents for the resumption of face-to-face classes," said Fajardo.