PNP ready for face to face classes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has started security preparations for the resumption of face-to-face classes in public elementary and high schools next month, a PNP official said yesterday.

Even if they are busy with the security coverage for the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on July 25, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. assured the public that they are ready to secure students and teachers when in-person classes resume on Aug. 22.

Danao said securing educational institutions is not new to them as they have done it in schools where limited face-to-face classes have resumed.

“We will be using the same template in implementing security procedures to maintain an orderly environment in schools,” he said.

Danao said they would identify schools in areas that posted higher COVID-19 cases and crime incidents.

“More police personnel will be deployed in these areas,” he said.

In her first order as education secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte mandated all elementary and high schools, whether public or private, to resume full face-to-face classes by Nov. 2.

According to Danao, they expect that more people will be going out not only in schools but also in other public places when physical classes are fully implemented.

“Health protocols must still be observed, such as the wearing of face masks to avoid the spread of the coronavirus and other infectious diseases,” he said.

The PNP said it is looking forward to working with the Department of Education and other government agencies in mapping out a detailed plan for the school opening.

104 cops infected

Meanwhile, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the PNP reached 104 on Wednesday.

The figure is higher by 18.18 percent compared to 88 cases recorded on July 18.

The last time that COVID cases in the police force reached triple digits was on Feb. 18 when 103 PNP members were infected.

Despite the spike in COVID cases, the death toll stood at 129. Twelve police personnel who contracted the virus have recovered.

A total of 225,665 PNP personnel are fully vaccinated. Of the number, 223,075 have received booster shots.

The PNP said 147 personnel are waiting for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccines.