7,000 cops to guard opening of classes in private schools

Policemen assigned to secure the class opening in public schools last week were ordered yesterday to stay in their respective posts in time for the class opening of some private schools on Monday and until next week.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said that it means that the police assistance desks will be added in some private schools with class opening scheduled starting Monday.

“Our personnel have already been directed to stay put and prepare for some adjustments. Our commanders, however, know what to do based on what we have done in the past school openings,” said Eleazar.

Part of the order, according to Eleazar, is for policemen to be visible in the perimeter of the schools which will open their classes on Monday, June 10, either to man traffic or secure the area from criminals.

More than 7,000 policemen were earlier deployed in Metro Manila for the class opening on June 3. Aside from manning traffic and police assistance desks, policemen were stationed in areas where street criminals usually strike.

“Our focus will be on the conduct of beat patrols to protect students from out-of-school youth bullies and criminal elements that also include drug traffickers,” said Eleazar.

The official said his order to police commanders is clear: Ensure a target of zero crime incidents involving students, parents, teachers, and school officials.

The high presence of policemen, he said, would also deter the commission of crimes on other usual targets of street criminals.

Last week, more than 149,000 policemen were deployed in various areas in the country for the June 3 opening of classes. The Philippine National Police declared last week’s opening as peaceful.