The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has mobilized more than 5,300 policemen to help secure the opening of classes on June 16 through mobile patrols and manning of assistance desks.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the deployment is part of the Oplan Balik-Eskwela, which he said, is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of students, educators, and parents and in response to the strict five-minute police response time to all emergencies.

“We want to reassure the students, their parents, and our educators that NCRPO will be there to ensure safety and security anchored on our recalibrated police visibility and our institutionalized quick response to police emergencies,” said Aberin.

Of the 5,344 police personnel tapped to secure class opening in Metro Manila, Aberin said a total of 1,429 personnel have been assigned to man Police Assistance Desks (PADs) that are strategically positioned near campuses and supported by tactical units such as the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) and K9 units.

A total of 1,135 mobile patrol units and 1,731 foot patrol officers, on the other hand, have been dispatched throughout the five police districts and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB).

“This is to ensure 24/7 ground coverage not only around schools but across high-traffic and risk-prone areas,” said Aberin, adding that the deployment covers 1,206 public and private schools.

Based on the NCRPO data, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported the largest deployment with 1,612 personnel, followed by the Northern Police District (NPD) with 1,240, and the Manila Police District (MPD) with 955.

“These deployments are backed by close coordination with local school officials through pre-opening safety meetings and area assessments,” said Aberin.

“Regardless of the number of personnel deployed in each area, their presence serves as a powerful deterrent and a source of confidence for the community,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aberin expressed gratitude to Metro Manila residents whom he said have been appreciating the reinforced security measures in their community.

“For them, the sight of uniformed officers patrolling campuses and surrounding roads instills a strong sense of safety and reassurance,” said Aberin.

Source: Manila Bulletin.