DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 May) – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 will deploy a “maximum number” of personnel to secure public and private schools in Davao Region for the opening of classes on June 4, PRO 11 spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz said on Wednesday.
Driz said that at least two police personnel will be assigned to each school to ensure the security of the students, but the number may increase depending on the need.
She said every police station will help in the cleanup drive and provide information on how criminals operate to strengthen the “Ligtas balik Eskwela.”
She said police will patrol major routes leading to all schools and within their vicinity to prevent bullying and protect students from getting victimized by “budol-budol” (swindling).
She said they will establish Police Assistance Desks (PADs) in all school campuses to provide public safety and security coverage and deploy explosive and ordnance disposal units.
“We encourage everyone to report any incidents of bullying and other street crimes to police officers assign in your respective PADs to the nearest police stations and their hotline numbers or to the national emergency hotline numbers 911,” she said.
Police will direct traffic as well as assist the pedestrians in crossing the streets, she said.
Driz added they have involved communities in public safety awareness to enhance the collaboration between the security sector and the stakeholders.
She said they have been directed by the PRO 11 director Manuel Gaerlan “to keep our alertness and vigilance to maintain peace and secure all students in all schools of the region.
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She said the police will coordinate with the local government units to prohibit the overloading of public utility vehicles to prevent road crashes.
“Likewise, together with the LGUs, we shall strictly implement zoning ordinances prohibiting the existence of computer shops, billiard establishments and other distractive games and recreation within the immediate vicinity of schools” she said.
The police warned the students to be wary of strangers, avoid making contract with them, refrain from wearing expensive jewelry, and bringing large amounts of money and gadgets on the streets.
The Department of Education 11 has yet to release the number of enrollees in the region. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)