PNP Sets Security Plan For Oplan Balik-Eswela 2014
The Philippine National Police has set operational guidelines and procedures to be implemented by concerned units for the upcoming opening of school classes this June as the Department of Education activated its Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2014.
Of priority concern to the PNP are incidents of bullying and street crimes such as pickpocket, snatching, swindling, robbery/hold-up, and street-level drug trafficking.
A total of 18,580 police personnel will be deployed and 7,441 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) will be established nationwide in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), Parents Teachers Associations (PTA), and Non Government Organizations (NGOs).
Likewise, local PNP units were instructed to coordinate closely with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and to increase police visibility operations at school premises to prevent out of school youth from bullying pupils/students during the whole school year.
Mobile and foot patrols will also be conducted along major routes leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises.
Moreover, security coverage will be provided by established PADs together with LGUs, PTA and volunteer groups in all airports, seaports, transport terminals and other areas of convergence nationwide.
In Metro Manila, the NCRPO is fielding 2,500 police personnel at the University Belt District of Manila and in the immediate vicinity of schools to complement foot and mobile operations of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and local police units.
In line with this, the PNP has provided safety reminders and tips to prevent crime and accidents in schools. Parents are advised to have constant communication with the teacher or security guard of the school, and to let their children know who will fetch them at the end of the class.
Furthermore, students were also cautioned from talking with strangers by keeping their distance or not talking to them at all; and to avoid wearing jewelry, bringing large amount of money, or using expensive phones while in the streets.
An Inter-Agency Convergence Meeting headed by the DepEd was conducted last May 23 where commonly encountered problems during this period where addressed.
Furthermore, a Command Conference was held on May 27 wherein each partner agency presented a report on their respective preparations and commitments to ensure safety and order during the start of the school year.
The opening of classes for public schools is on June 2, 2014 and on June 6, 2014 for private schools.
Source: PNP PIO