Cops to guard Metro schools, tourist areas

As classes formally open today in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will not only be guarding schools but also tourist areas.

This after NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco tied up "Oplan Balik Paaralan" with "Project Metro" to ensure the safety of both students and tourists.

"These two projects have a similar objective — the effective maintenance of peace and order in the metropolis by ensuring police visibility and the development of volunteerism among our citizens," Velasco said.

"Oplan Balik Paaralan" is an all-out offensive against criminals preying on students as well as preventing the outbreak of fraternity-related incidents, which are among the primary concerns of parents at the onset of a new schoolyear.

The NCRPO has tapped the assistance of barangay tanods as well as the 160,000 members of the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO) to help policemen in peacekeeping chores.

Project Metro, on the other hand, is an inter-agency effort aimed at developing the metropolis into an ideal destination for tourists. It was launched by President Arroyo in October last year to show the international community that the Philippines is a world-class destination by providing Metro Manila a positive image of order, civility, and security in areas conducive to tourism.

NCRPO’s role in this project is to ensure the presence of dedicated and highly-motivated policemen for uncompromising law enforcement through aggressive beat patrols and traffic management, direction, and control along major thoroughfares leading to and from the major international air terminals, seaports, and bus terminals in Metro Manila.

At least 200 cops have been deployed by the NCRPO to patrol Makati City’s shopping district and the five major routes from the international and domestic airports leading to tourists destinations in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, in Taguig, Mayor Freddie Tinga ordered the deployment of uniformed policemen to provide protection to thousands of students who will troop to public and private schools in the municipality today.

Tinga directed Taguig chief of police Senior Supt. Rodolfo Sison to ensure the safety not only of students but also of school officials, teachers and parents against criminal elements particularly pickpockets and cellphone snatchers.

For its part, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will field more trains and deploy additional security personnel to cope with the influx of students.

LRTA administrator Teddy Cruz Jr. said that the LRT Line 2 will also start its full and regular operations today. "The Santolan-Cubao line will now be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. to provide hassle free and comfortable ride to the public," he said.