NCRPO on full alert starting today

MANILA, Philippines - The 17,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on full alert starting at 8 a.m. today to secure schools and attain their goal of zero crimes during the opening of classes on Monday, an official said yesterday.

During a full alert, the highest alert condition of the Philippine National Police (PNP), all leaves and furloughs are cancelled and police officers are ordered to report to their respective offices and headquarters.

NCRPO chief Director Leonardo Espina told his five district directors to secure and inspect all bus terminals, seaports, airport terminals, Light Railway Transit and Metro Rail Transit  stations starting today.

He also ordered police officers to raid known criminal lairs in Metro Manila to prevent criminals from preying on students.

Espina explained that the full alert would mean heightened police visibility in the streets come Monday.

He said the NCRPO should coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units for the deployment of personnel to ease the flow of traffic on Monday.

The NCRPO will also set up police assistance desks (PADs) at the various schools and universities in Metro Manila to guide students and parents on the first day of classes.

“I would like to rally everyone to close in on the vicinities of these schools. We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals such as pickpockets and snatchers,” Espina said.

“All police personnel assigned in PADs should coordinate with the Department of Education, school authorities and local government officials,” he added.

Stranger danger

The PNP, on the other hand, warned students yesterday not to talk to strangers who approach them as they are on their way to school or on the way home.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Genoroso Cerbo said while police officers will be deployed near schools to ensure the security of students, it will be of great help “if the students, their parents or guardians themselves, will be security conscious.”

Cerbo also advised students to always walk in groups or in pairs and never venture alone on unfamiliar streets, especially in Metro Manila. He also discouraged students from wearing expensive jewelry while going to and from school on public utility vehicles to avoid being targeted by snatchers.

Cerbo said students should also keep expensive cell phones hidden in their bags as criminals favor these gadgets.

“If they sense danger, they should immediately seek the assistance of police officers or (officials) at the nearest barangay,” Cerbo said.