The Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) deployed more than 10,000 police officers on Monday and set up 428 police assistance desks (PADs) to ensure the safe and smooth opening of more than 3,800 schools in the region.
In an interview, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, PRO-5 regional director, said they are committed to making the start of the academic year orderly and safe.
"We talked to the school officials, assuring the security of our learners, and we gave them emergency hotline numbers just in case they needed police assistance. During the opening, most of the schools along the highways brought traffic concerns," Dizon said.
He said they will continue to monitor and visit various schools in the region to ensure that police presence is felt by learners, teachers, parents, and guardians.
"We also have a total of 428 PADs who serve as immediate points of contact for any security concerns, ensuring a visible police presence within school premises," he said.
PRO-5 also intensified its law enforcement activities to safeguard learning institutions, transportation hubs, and areas of convergence.
"We organized regular foot and mobile patrols along major routes and highways leading to learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises," Dizon said.
The patrols aim to monitor daily activities, prevent unauthorized persons from mingling with students, and deter potential influences that could lead students into vices or illegal activities.
Road safety marshals were stationed along main thoroughfares to manage traffic, ensure the safe transit of students, teachers, and parents to and from school and reduce the risk of vehicular accidents.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) recorded 1,219,173 learners enrolled in 13 school divisions as of Monday.
Mayflor Jumamil, DepEd-Bicol spokesperson, said the numbers are being updated.
"That is not yet the final number; there are schools that are still accommodating enrollees; therefore, it has not yet been reported, and there may be learners whose parents have not yet enrolled," she said. (PNA)
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