THE PHILIPPINE National Police urged students and parents to be vigilant against street crimes as schools in Metro Manila gradually open.

The Department of Education is considering allowing 28 schools in the National Capital Region to hold face-to-face classes.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said that the police will help secure the safety of students who will return to schools.

“The PNP will secure a final list of the participating schools so I can order the chiefs of police in those areas to plan for their deployment to ensure security in these school premises,” Carlos said in a statement on Saturday.

He said that the PNP will keep students and other stakeholders away from harm.

The PNP will provide limited police presence outside school compounds. Police personnel will enter campuses only when requested by school officials.

“Schools are zones of peace and we will acknowledge that. Much has been done to orient our personnel regarding this policy,” he said.