Police ready for opening of classes

CEBU, Philippines – Protecting students from theft, robbery, and other petty crimes are the three primary goals of the police on the first day of classes on June 1.

Cebu City Police Director Patrocinio Comendador gathered police station chiefs in the city to a command conference yesterday to finalize security management plans for next week’s opening of classes.

Security preparations for the opening of classes is in line with the PNP’s “Oplan Balik Eskwela” program and upon instructions of no less than PNP Chief Jesus Versoza.

Comendador said problems relating to fraternities are also being anticipated, as gang-related incidents may rise with the high volume of students returning to school.

Comendador said policemen would also be available in the streets to assist young students in crossing, as well as guide those that are new in the city. 

Police visibility and continuous patrolling near schools was also assured, in coordination with barangay tanods.

Meanwhile, Sr. Supt Erson Digal, officer-in-charge of Cebu Provincial Police Office, has ordered all police chiefs across the province to set up assistance desks in pilot or central schools and to maintain coordination with the different schools in their jurisdiction.

Digal said policemen would be deployed in bus terminals and sea ports to maintain security.

Assistance desks would also be put up in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Land Transportation Office.

City and provincial police offices have been ordered to keep and send hourly reports of their operations to Camp Crame. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)