The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has shifted the focus of its security preparations for the opening of classes in public schools on Aug. 29. All units have been ordered to strengthen dialogues with school officials for security measures against crimes and acts of violence, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City. On July 25, a consultative meeting was also held, presided by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), PNP and concerned agencies to discuss security plans. She said the PNP has released the operational guidelines of ‘Oplan Back to School 2023.’ ”Yung operational guidelines ay naibaba na rin natin sa mga line units at binigyan ng direktiba ‘yung ating mga line units na this early ay makipag ugnayan sila sa mga eskuwelahan na malapit sa kanila at within their respective jurisdiction para kunin din ‘yung kanilang mga suggestion at inputs to further improve ‘yung mga latag ng security natin sa pagbubukas ng klase at of course for the whole duration of the school year (The operational guidelines have been sent to the line units and we have given directives to our line units that this early they should contact the schools that are close to them and within their respective jurisdiction to also get their suggestions and inputs to further improve our security measures at the opening of the class and of course for the whole duration of the school year),’ Fajardo told reporters. Fajardo said there are 11,000 police assistance desks (PADS) nationwide to be deployed near school premises, aside from patrols in school vicinities to serve as lookout for drug traffickers, muggers, and violent street gangs who may infiltrate the ranks of students. ‘This early, our field commanders are coordinating this coming Aug. 14 for the formal launching of Oplan Balik Eskuwela of course in coordination with other concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs),’ said Fajardo. On the other hand, private schools may opt to open their classes not later than the last day of August as stated under Republic Act 11480, or the ‘Act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days.” Under Department of Education Order No. 10 issued May 9, all incoming learners enrolling in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 7, and 11 in public elementary and secondary schools shall pre-register or participate in the early registration to enable necessary preparations and adjustments of plans for School Year 2023-2024
Source: Philippines News Agency