Cops assure safety as classes resume

CEBU, Philippines - As students return to school today, at least 250 policemen will be deployed in the streets in Cebu City, especially in areas near schools, to ensure safety and security.

Across Region 7, more than 3,000 police personnel will be on duty to help secure the opening of classes. Force multipliers like barangay tanods will assist policemen.

In Cebu City, at least two policemen will secure one school but more will be deployed at schools with bigger populations like those in Barangays Mabolo and Lahug and City Central School, said Chief Insp. David Señor, head of the Operations Branch of the Cebu City Police Office.

Policemen will help direct traffic and escort students in crossing the streets and Señor said all police vehicles will be utilized today to patrol the city.

In Cebu City, at least, students will not be allowed to linger at Internet shops near the schools once classes start, as mandated by a city ordinance.

In Mandaue City, Senior Supt. Jonathan Cabal said they have "organized teams to look after the schools" and coordinated with force multipliers.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Senior Supt. Arnel Libed, chief of the city police office, said about 200 police officers and hundreds of force multipliers will help guard 92 schools there.

Earlier this week, Senior Insp. Luz Langbid, deputy chief of the Police Community Relations Branch of CCPO, said public assistance desk will be opened in schools today.

During last week's Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis, Senior Supt. Armando Radoc, Regional Operations and Plans Division chief, said their men have been patrolling areas near schools since last week and submit daily reports upon the instruction of Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr.

Aside from the schools, extra security will also be provided at wharves and the airport.

Curfew

Señor said they will put particular attention to students taking classes in the evening to ensure their safety. He said they are eyeing at fielding at least four policemen to the schools to assist students. 

In Cebu City, minors unaccompanied by their parents are not allowed to walk alone or by group from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., as mandated by City Ordinance 228 but Señor said they will give due consideration to those in night classes.

"Naay consideration nga ihatag ana katong mga estudyante nga naka-uniform padulong pauli nga nag-atang og sakyanan tagaan sad og consideration. Pero katong naglakaw-lakaw lang nga walay direksyon, labi na tong naa sa mga imnanan, aw ato tong dakpon," he said.

Night classes usually finish by 9 p.m. and Señor said one hour is a reasonable time for students to return home. (FREEMAN)