SPD personnel assist students and commuters during the opening of classes under the "Balik-Eskwela 2026" security deployment across southern Metro Manila. (Photo from SPD)
The Southern Police District (SPD) mobilized 3,906 personnel across southern Metro Manila on Monday, June 8, to bolster security for the opening of classes under the “Balik-Eskwela 2026” program.
Police Brig. Gen. Glenn Oliver Cinco, SPD director, said the massive deployment was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of students, parents, teachers, and school personnel as millions of learners returned to school.
Under the security plan, police personnel were assigned to 308 schools within the district's jurisdiction, including 177 public schools and 130 private schools. Officers were stationed in designated school areas to provide security coverage and maintain order during peak hours of student arrival and dismissal.
Police visibility was heightened in and around school premises through the deployment of officers to Police Assistance Desks (PADs), mobile and foot patrols, force multipliers, and other operational units.
According to SPD, 2,245 personnel were tasked with school security operations, ensuring a strong police presence in educational institutions across Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Parañaque.
To complement these efforts, an additional 1,661 personnel were deployed to major roads, transportation terminals, commercial establishments, places of worship, and other convergence areas.
Their presence was intended to help manage traffic flow, assist commuters, and maintain public safety amid the expected increase in movement during the first day of classes.
Cinco said the district's comprehensive security deployment reflects the Philippine National Police's commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment for students while ensuring peace and order in communities.
The SPD also coordinated closely with local government units, school administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of security and traffic management measures.
Police authorities assured the public that heightened security operations will continue in the coming days as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard students and maintain order throughout the school opening period.