WPD all set for opening of classes

Barely two weeks before the scheduled opening of classes on June 6, the Manila police has tightened security near schools to prevent criminal elements from preying on students.

The WPD, through its 11 police stations, 48 police community precincts and the District Support Units, will field mobile, motorcycles and beat patrols for a more intensified police visibility near schools to deter crimes, Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said.

The WPD chief met with schools’ security officers recently to plan their specific security measures and how the police could effectively provide support and effectively implement "Oplan Balik Paaralan."

WPD spokesman Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod said that one of the security measures agreed upon during the meeting was the deployment of at least two police officers at the school gate during class hours.

Bulaong has also beefed up security in the university belt in Sampaloc by fielding 48 additional policemen, most of whom are now undergoing on-the-job training at the WPD.

The Manila police’s Detective Beat Patrol also received additional personnel who will monitor the activities of suspicious-looking persons in school campuses and nearby areas.

All police units are directed to closely watch the activities of suspected pickpockets, snatchers, robbers, muggers, agaw-cellphone gangs and other criminal elements which may take advantage of the confusion during the opening of classes, Agunod said.

Police trackers and trained barangay tanods (watchmen) will serve as force multipliers for effective police surveillance and monitoring.

The WPD is now coordinating with the local government for strict enforcement of city ordinances, particularly the vending of foods around the schools.