The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced a heightened focus on security measures in preparation for the commencement of classes in public schools on August 29. PNP units have been instructed to collaborate more closely with school authorities to ensure enhanced safeguards against crimes and acts of violence.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo revealed these plans during a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City. She stated that all units have received directives to initiate discussions with nearby schools within their jurisdictions. The objective is to garner suggestions and inputs that can augment the existing security arrangements for the opening of the school year and its duration.
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A consultative meeting on July 25 saw officials from the Department of Education (DepEd), PNP, and other relevant agencies discussing these security strategies in detail. Following this, PNP released the operational guidelines of “Oplan Back to School 2023,” aimed at enhancing school safety measures.
Col. Fajardo emphasized, “The operational guidelines have been circulated to line units. They have been instructed to establish early contact with local schools to gain suggestions and inputs. This collaboration is crucial for improving our security plans for the beginning of the school year and its entirety.”
In a move to strengthen the presence of law enforcement near schools, PNP plans to deploy 11,000 police assistance desks (PADS) nationwide. Besides this, patrols in school vicinities will be enhanced to ward off potential threats such as drug traffickers, muggers, and violent street gangs that may attempt to infiltrate the student population.
Col. Fajardo added, “Our field commanders are already coordinating plans for the formal launch of Oplan Balik Eskuwela on August 14, in conjunction with other concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs).”
In contrast, private schools have the option to commence classes by the end of August, as per Republic Act 11480, or the “Act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days.”
DepEd Order No. 10, issued on May 9, mandates all incoming learners enrolling in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 7, and 11 in public elementary and secondary schools to pre-register or participate in early registration. This provision allows for necessary preparations and modifications in planning for School Year 2023-2024.
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