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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/3 June) – No untoward incidents were recorded during the opening of classes on Monday in Davao Region, Police Regional Office 11 director Brig. Gen. Marcelo C. Morales said.
“The opening was generally peaceful. We have not received any [report of] untoward incidents involving students, teachers and parents, “ Morales told a press briefing held at the gymnasium of the Matina Central Elementary School on Monday.
He said around 4,000 police officers were deployed to 894 primary and secondary schools in the region or four to five officers per school to secure the students and teachers.
Authorities had also coordinated with the school administrators to set up police assistance desks, manned by personnel from the police’s Women and Children Protection Desks, inside the campuses.
He assured tight security in schools for the opening week.
“We are coordinating with the schools in making sure that our students and teachers are safe and prevent crimes inside and outside the schools. We are also distributing leaflets containing information on how they can avoid being victimized by criminals,” he said.
He said the police also gave the students tips on how they could avoid crimes and troubles on their way to school and upon going home.
“The barangay, teachers, and members of schools organizations and clubs are working together to address possible problems that they usually encounter on the opening day of classes,” he said.
Morales said the police are also working with the Department Social Welfare and Development in visiting places known to have been frequented by gangs. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)