NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Brigadier General Jonnel C. Estomo on Sunday announced they are100 percent ready to secure the opening of School Year 2022-2023 in Metro Manila where officers will be guarding 1,344 public and private learning facilities.

In a report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., the NCRPO chief said they conducted simulation exercises in various schools and educational institutions in the metropolis on Saturday.

Different scenarios were drawn by the NCRPO to address any problem that may arise as nearly 1.9 million enrolled students in Metro Manila are expected to return to their schools. Estomo said they are also seeing to it that teachers and professors and the rest of the general public will also be protected.

NCRPO deputy regional director for operations, Brig. Gen. Jack L. Wanky and Manila Police District director, Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon inspected the situation in Manila.

NCRPO deputy regional director for administration, Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. conducted a random inspection of security preparations of the Northern Police District (NPD).

Other NCRPO regional staff inspected the security measures of the Southern, Quezon City and Eastern Police Districts, said Estomo.

The NCRPO chief said policemen deployed near school vicinities have been instructed to strictly implement minimum public health safety protocols specifically the mandatory wearing of face masks and observance of physical distancing.

Officers will also provide assistance to students especially those crossing pedestrian lanes.

“All our personnel have been reminded to be extra alert and vigilant at all times to be able to respond immediately when the need arises,” Estomo said.

The official said a total of 9,731 NCRPO personnel will be deployed to secure the class opening. They will be augmented by 4,530 force multipliers and 2,994 security guards.

A total of 521 Police Assistance Desks being manned by 1,653 NCRPO operatives have also been established to protect the students and the rest of the general public, Estomo added.

The NCRPO chief said that a total of 3,423 mobile and foot patrollers will also assist the students and school staff while 327 Tactical Motorcycle Riders and 60 Bus Marshals will help secure the streets and public utility vehicles.

Estomo said they will also be fielding 191 traffic marshals to secure children in the streets specifically those walking along the roads and other major thoroughfares.

The official said that they will also distribute free school supplies to poor students in different schools within Metro Manila. Apart from that, officers will start distributing fliers and educational materials to provide students with knowledge that will help them stay away from criminals and their modus operandi.

“ Criminal elements and opportunists cannot be denied of their plan to perpetrate their nefarious acts but we assure that we will protect the students from being potential victims of these elements who may want to take advantage of the opening of classes,” Brig. Gen. Estomo said.

The official also encouraged the public to immediately report any suspicious person or activities to the nearest police station and police assistance desk. He said that information can be forwarded to their “Isumbong Mo sa Team NCRPO” hotlines 0999-901-8181or 0915-888-8181.