Cebu City cops beef up security for "Brigada"

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s police are gearing up for the annual “Brigada Eskwela”, a preparation for the start of classes in public schools.

Measures are in place to secure thousands of students, parents, teachers, and volunteers trooping to schools on Monday.

 At least 223 police personnel from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will be deployed in city’s public schools, according to Police Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO director.

He said they will also be fielding more policemen to help in repairing classrooms and in cleaning schools.

“Magpapadala tayo ng volunteers na police natin, they will be coming from the headquarters and others will be coming from the stations,” said Doria.

“Brigada Eskwela” is the National Schools Maintenance Week that aims to bring together all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort, and resources to prepare public school facilities for the opening of the school year on June 4.

Aside from the “Brigada Eskwela,” Doria said they are also preparing for the opening of classes.

He said at least 300 policemen will be utilized to secure the opening of classes in 99 public and private schools in Cebu City.

“Tutukan natin ngayon iyong mga areas na maraming estudyante at doon tayo magco-concentrate,” he said.

He said assistance desks will be put up in school premises while police visibility will be increased around the city as part of the “Oplan Balik Eskwela” campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police are also expected to distribute flyers containing safety guidelines since crimes usually increase with the opening of classes.

Also, Doria said they will monitor possible gang activities like illegal recruitment involving students.

“So far, wala tayong problema na gang-related dito sa Cebu City. Mostly ay drug-related at anti-criminality ang focus natin. Checkpoints ay ini-intensify natin sa mga crime prone areas…to prevent motor-riding criminalities,” he said. — KBQ (FREEMAN)