The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated its security plan to ensure the safe reopening of classes for school year 2022-2023 next week.

In a statement Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said under the operational guidelines of the “Ligtas Balik-Eskwela SY 2022-2023″, the force will intensify law enforcement activities at learning institutions, transportation hubs and places of convergence to protect students, guardians and teachers from crime incidents such as physical injuries, robbery, and theft, among others.

“Influx of individuals during in-person classes is also expected, thus, PNP Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) 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 face masks shall remain implemented, especially in places or regions with high-risk classifications,” Azurin said.

He said all unit commanders are directed to coordinate and participate in meetings with school authorities, as well as with parents and teachers’ associations (PTA) to carry out public safety services, such as drug abuse prevention, information drives, and other necessary anti-criminality programs.

Police stations are also 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 from luring students into engaging in vices and illegal activities.

Police stations are also directed to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) regarding the strict implementation of the zoning ordinance within school zones that prohibit the operation of video game shops, billiards establishments, and other amusement facilities within the immediate vicinity of schools, particularly in Manila’s University Belt area.

Police Assistance Desks (PADs) near the entrances of school campuses nationwide in coordination with the Department of Education (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.

Meanwhile, Azurin said the PNP will also deploy police officers to join Brigada Eskwela activities and hold simulation exercises (SIMEX) in coordination with school authorities to train students, teachers, and other personnel on the proper response to incidents such as fire, bomb threats, earthquake, and other emergency 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 (The public will expect peace and orderly through the program “MKK=K” (Concern, Orderly, Peace to Development) with the help of KASIMBAYANAN, which I launched, the PNP will continue to serve not only as guards and maintainer of peace and order in the community but as an organization that helps our countrymen and vulnerable sectors of our community including our beloved youth, at any time and season),” said Azurin.

Data from the DepEd showed more than 20.6 million learners have been enrolled in public schools just a week before the official reopening of classes on Aug. 22. (PNA)