NCRPO: No crimes during opening of classes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has attained its target of “zero crime incidents” during the opening of classes in Metro Manila, an official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Leonardo Espina attributed their accomplishment to close coordination and cooperation among the members of the NCRPO, the Police Assistance Desks (PADs), public school officials and teachers, local government security forces, parents and students.

Chief Superintendent Christopher Laxa, the NCRPO’s deputy regional director for operations, inspected public elementary and high schools in Metro Manila on June 3 and yesterday, when private schools started classes.

“This is to inspect and ensure that all police assigned at PADs are all working and ready for immediate assistance in case security issues arise. This is also to protect, especially the students, from being victims of snatching, pickpockets and other related crimes,” said Espina, referring to the inspections conducted by Laxa.

To ensure the safety of students, Espina said PADs would also be set up at all highly populated private schools, universities and colleges with proper coordination with school authorities.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said vehicular traffic flowed smoothly as private schools and universities officially started classes yesterday.

“There were no problems. We did not have any chokepoints,” he said. The MMDA had deployed 1,000 traffic constables to direct traffic.

Aside from fielding constables, the MMDA also repainted pedestrian crosswalks near schools and repaired traffic lights in areas where large schools are located, Carlos said. – Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde