The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday announced the deployment of over 5,000 police officers to secure the opening of classes for the school year (SY) 2023-2024 later this month.

In a statement, NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said they are now also coordinating with the Department of Education for the setting up of over 600 police assistance desks (PADs) near the entrance gate of school campuses.

The PADs, he said, will be manned by 1,572 policemen and will cater to any concerns or queries from students, teachers, parents and other people.

“The police officers will intensify law enforcement activities at schools, transportation hubs, and places of convergence to secure students, guardians, and teachers from crime incidents such as physical injuries, robbery, and theft among others,” Nartatez added.

An estimated 1,262 public and private schools would start classes on Aug. 29.

As an additional security measure, members of the explosive and ordinance division and K-9 units would also be deployed.

Nartatez said a series of coordination meetings and dialogues with school officials have started to carry out public safety services.

These include drug abuse prevention, information drives and other anti-criminality programs to prevent students from engaging in vices and illegal activities.

“The safety and security of the students is our top priority. We have already established a security plan including the deployment of our personnel ready to assist and watch over the safety of the students, as well as all the teachers and guardians,” Nartatez said.

“I also encourage everyone to approach policemen whenever security concerns are needed for they will always be there to help you to ease your fear of being victims of lawless elements,” he added.

Taguig kicks off ‘Brigada Eskwela’

As this developed, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano on Monday led the annual “Brigada Eskwela” along with education stakeholders in the schools across the EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays.

The activity’s kick-off at the Makati Science High School brought together a team of volunteers, including those from the Taguig City Police Station, NCRPO, Southern Police District, Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as representatives from various groups and organizations in the EMBO barangays.

The Makati Science High School is one of the schools located in EMBO barangays that would be transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction in light of the Supreme Court’s decision on the city’s territorial dispute with Makati.

Other schools that would be transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction are Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School and South Cembo Elementary School.

Cayetano said the goal of DepEd Taguig-Pateros is to ensure that all public schools are clean and ready for the school opening.

She also emphasized that Taguig is committed to supporting the EMBO schools.

Cayetano also appealed to the General Parents Teachers Association officers and members for understanding and patience as the transition takes place, and vowed to work closely with the school heads and division officials to address the urgent concerns of teachers and students.

She added the Taguig City government has already prepared school kits which will be distributed to the students soon.

For his part, Makati Science High School principal Dr. Felix Bunagan thanked Cayetano, the Taguig City government and volunteers for their support.

In the same event, Taguig-Pateros Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ayles said the event would aid the DepEd’s goal to foster a community that is proactive for its students and instill patriotism in the country.

Volunteers enthusiastically engaged in various tasks, such as cleaning, repairing and enhancing the schools’ facilities.

Talks on Positive Discipline and Family Values, Drug Abuse Prevention & Control, Learners’ Rights, and Mental Health, among others, were also conducted as part of the activity. (PNA)