Azurin orders maximum ‘Balik Eskwela’ security measures
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Tuesday ordered maximum security measures to ensure the safety of students and the rest of the general public during the formal opening of School Year 2022-2023 on August 22.
The top cop said they are coordinating with Department of Education authorities the operational guidelines and procedures they will undertake to ensure peace and order and public safety during the school opening.
Gen. Azurin said the PNP Operational Guidelines for Ligtas Balik-Eswela SY 2022-2023 will serve as the main reference of the force as they intensify law enforcement activities at learning institutions, transportation hubs and places of convergence to prevent and suppress the occurrence of crime incidents like physical injuries, pickpocketing, snatching, and other forms of robbery and theft wherein students, teachers, and parents/guardians may become victims.
“The influx of individuals during in-person classes is also expected, thus, PNP COVID-19 patrollers will also be deployed to ensure that the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) such as observing physical distance, proper and frequent handwashing, and wearing of face masks shall remain implemented, especially in places or regions with high-risk classifications,” the PNP chief said.
Under the said guidelines, all unit commanders are directed to coordinate and participate in meetings with school authorities as well as Parents and Teachers Association to carry out public safety services, such as illegal drug prevention, education and other necessary anti-criminality programs.
Further, police stations are directed to conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises to monitor and evaluate the daily activities and prevent outsiders to mingle with pupils/students that may influence them in engaging in vices and illegal activities.
Gen. Azurin said that concerned police stations are also directed to coordinate with concerned LGUs regarding the strict implementation of zoning ordinance within the school zones that prohibit the operation of video game shops, billiards establishments, and other distractive games and recreations within the immediate vicinity of schools including the University-Belt area of Manila.
The PNP chief said that Police Assistance Desks (PADs) near the entrance gate of school campuses nationwide in coordination with DepEd officials will also be established to ensure the safety and security of the children, employees, visitors and tourists visiting schools through Tourist Police Units.
He also said that the PNP will also provide appropriate number of police to participate in the Brigada Eskwela Project of the DepEd and Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) in coordination with school authorities on possible threats in schools like bomb threat, fire incident, earthquake and other related scenarios.
“Makaka-asa rin ating mga kababayan na sa pamamagitan ng programang “MKK=K” (Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayaan tungo sa Kaunlaran) sa tulong ng KASIMBAYANAN, na aking inilunsad, patuloy ang pagseserbisyo ng Pambansang Pulisya Ng Pilipinas hindi lamang bilang mga tagabantay at tagapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa komunidad kundi bilang isang organisasyon na tumutulong sa ating mga kababayan at vulnerable sectors ng ating komunidad kasama na ang mga minamahal nating kabataan, sa anumang oras at panahon,” Gen. Azurin said.
