PNP deploys over 37,000 cops to secure class opening, sets up assistance desks near schools
At A Glance
- The police assistance desks will be set up near school premises and will be manned by 10,759 policemen who were tasked to immediately respond to the calls for assistance of students, teachers and parents.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be setting up more than 5,000 police assistance desks as part of the security measures as around 27 million students are expected to troop to various schools nationwide for the opening of the classes on Monday, June 16.
This, as PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III assured that a total of 37,740 policemen will be deployed to secure both public and private schools—38,292 public and 7,682 private institutions— nationwide.
Torre said the police assistance desks will be set up near school premises and will be manned by 10,759 policemen who were tasked to immediately respond to the calls for assistance of students, teachers and parents.
He said a total of 10,687 officers will be assigned to mobile patrols and 16,366 to foot patrols to ensure heightened police visibility in high-density areas and identified critical zones.
“The safety of our students, teachers, and school staff remains our utmost priority. We want to ensure that our children return to school without fear or harm. Our police officers will be in every possible area to provide protection, guidance, and support,” said Torre.
“Our Oplan Balik-Eskwela is not just a deployment plan—it is our expression of commitment to nurture an environment where learning can thrive peacefully. We will continue to stand guard for the Filipino youth, rain or shine,” he added.
Based on the PN data, Central Visayas has the highest deployment with 7,366 personnel; followed by Bicol Region with 2,962; and Eastern Visayas with 2,376.
In Mindanao, almost 3,000 policemen will be deployed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region across 657 schools.
In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said more than 5,400 policemen will be deployed to secure schools in the metropolis.
Torre then warned those who would attempt to recruit students into militant organizations: “These threats will be dealt with swiftly and without compromise.”
He also called on the public to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to the nearest police station or via the PNP’s 24/7 hotlines, as part of its shared responsibility to ensure a safe and smooth school opening.