CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Over 8,000 police personnel have been deployed across Southern Tagalog to ensure peace and order with the opening of classes today.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo, Calabarzon police director, said in a letter to Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa that Oplan Balik Eskwela was reactivated for school-year 2010-2011.
Añonuevo said the Oplan Balik Eskwela will focus on enhanced police patrol within school vicinities as well as the implementation of Police Containment Ring System (PCRS).
He said they formulated and implemented the region-wide security plan to ensure the safety of millions of students and the public from unscrupulous lawless and criminal gangs who might take advantage of the opening of classes.
Añonuevo said he instructed the deployment of police beat patrollers at school areas to arrest pickpockets snatchers, robbery/hold-up and other criminals involved in street crimes victimizing students.
He said that the chiefs of police of local units are likewise directed to closely coordinate with school officials for the synchronized effort to maintain security in schools within their area of responsibility. He instructed all new policemen to conduct foot patrol along school vicinities and should be easily accessible to respond when there are crime incidents.