THE PHILIPPINE National Police said that the opening of classes on Monday went smoothly as the agency beefed up the presence of police in public areas to ensure the safety of children and parents.

“We have already set the operational guidelines to ensure peace and order and public safety during the opening of classes and the succeeding school days. Thus, my instruction was to intensify law enforcement activities in learning institutions, transport hubs, and places of convergence to suppress any form of criminality like theft and robbery where children and parents can be vulnerable victims,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

A total of 23,653 police personnel were deployed in strategic locations around the country to help ensure the orderly opening of classes.

Of the number, 7,509 are Covid19 patrollers who made sure that the minimum public health standard was strictly observed.

“We have directed police stations to conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises to monitor and evaluate the daily activities,” Azurin said.

The PNP chief also reminded police officers to stay outside school premises unless they were called upon to assist in an emergency or to keep peace and order.

“When we assert our active role in the community, the general public will be motivated to do their share,” the PNP chief said.