Ecija cops secure 809 schools

The Nueva Ecija police will guard tightly 809 schools in the province to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the opening of classes today.

Senior Superintendent Napoleon Taas, Nueva Ecija police provincial commander said he will deploy two uniformed policemen each in four universities, 14 colleges, 59 private elementary and high schools and 732 public elementary and high schools to ensure the smooth start of the schoolyear.

Taas also tapped his force multipliers like the school security guards and barangay officials to help the police in maintaining peace and order in the vicinity of campuses.

“Our main goal is to maintain a peaceful and orderly opening of classes,” said Taas, noting that his 32 town and city police chiefs have prepared contingency measures for “Balik Eskwela ’08” to attain their objectives.

Since he assumed his post, Taas was able to send behind bars a total of 275 wanted persons and reduced the province’s crime rate by 21 percent.

Despite their vast accomplishments, however, there is no reason for them to relax as criminals are only lurking somewhere ready to strike in an opportune time, he said.

“We have established linkages and communication set up with security officials for easy reporting access for speedy response in case criminals strike in schools,” said Taas.

During the meeting, Taas also distributed volunteers’ ID informing participants the mechanics not only on how to contact police to report crime incidents but also the abusive and erring policemen.