9,500 cops to secure Metro Manila schools

MANILA, Philippines — Around 9,500 police officers will be deployed to secure public schools in Metro Manila as students will resume face-to-face classes on Aug. 22, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced yesterday.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said security measures are in place for the resumption of in-person classes.

Police visibility near schools will be strengthened to deter criminals from taking advantage of students.

“We will deploy more police personnel when face-to-face classes resume on Monday. We are anticipating a possible surge in crimes, including the kidnapping of students because of the economic hardships during the pandemic,” Estomo said at a press briefing.

He previously headed the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Estomo said the NCRPO would intensify police patrols in crime-prone communities to deter robbers and snatchers.

“We will do these measures as crime prevention. When the students leave the school premises, the police will also be there. On school grounds, it’s safe because there are security guards,” Estomo said.

In her first directive as education secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte ordered the opening of classes in public schools on Aug. 22.

Duterte had instructed elementary and high schools, whether public or private, to implement full face-to-face classes starting Nov. 2.

Estomo’s directive for Monday’s resumption of on-site classes serves as an opening salvo in his Metro-wide crime prevention programs.