NCRPO to deploy cops in Metro schools

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy police officers at campuses in Metro Manila today when millions of students return to school after tropical storm “Ondoy” struck last Sept. 26.

“We will assist school authorities in making sure that the return of students in their classrooms is peaceful and orderly and prevent criminal elements from striking,” said NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales.

He directed his five police district directors to help school authorities clean campuses badly hit by Ondoy, especially in Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Quezon City and Muntinlupa.

He said police stations in these areas are functioning at 100 percent capacity despite the fact that 80 percent of police officers in Marikina were affected by Ondoy; 30 percent of police officers in Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros; and 25 percent in Quezon City and Pasig.

“Despite the fact that the NCRPO personnel themselves were among those affected by typhoon Ondoy, it does not stop us from performing our mandate which is to serve and to protect,” said Rosales in an interview.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, reports reaching Rosales showed that a total of 180 people were killed in Metro Manila due to Ondoy, with 19 injured and nine missing.

At least 20,786 families or 67,761 people are still at various evacuation centers in Metro Manila.

The local government units are seeking ways to transfer the evacuees from school compounds to barangay halls and covered courts.

Rosales said there is no declaration yet from the government that it would be safe for the evacuees to return to their homes.

While the displaced families continue to stay at evacuation centers, he said temporary police outposts in areas affected by Ondoy would secure abandoned and vacated residences against looters. – Non Alquitran