A TOTAL of 2,984 police personnel were deployed to man places of convergence to ensure the safety and security of the students, teachers, and guardians as the Department of Education (DepEd) resumed its face-to-face classes, or “Balik Eskwela”, two years after the height of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic on Monday, August 22, 2022.
“We are happy to be of help in this significant program of the Department of Education along with other national agencies. We believe that such is a shared responsibility,” said Brigadier General Rommel Francisco Marbil, the newly-assigned police director in the region.
“From our end, we commit ourselves in upholding peace and order in all of Eastern Visayas as classes formally start,” Marbil added.
As part of the police regional command’s initiative for this school year’s opening of in-person classes, Marbil said that 169 personnel were also stationed to private schools and 3,374 other personnel to public schools out of the total 3,543 schools.
Some 477 police assistance desks were set up to cater to any concerns, clarifications, or queries from the general public with 917 personnel, while the police regional command increased the police presence through patrolling in key areas in the whole region.
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas also deployed 168 tactical motorcycle riders and 28 personnel from the explosive ordnance disposal unit.
At least 211 personnel were installed as bus marshals, and 215 were positioned at transportation hubs.
“Around 1,445 personnel were distributed as route security, while the presence of force multipliers was also felt,” the police regional command said.
Earlier, DepEd-Eastern Visayas Director Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero lauded the support of different stakeholders in opening in-person classes.
“Even with the limited resources, quality learning should continue. Our partners go beyond the regular functions to ensure safe back-to-school activity,” Fetalvero said.
Along with other government agencies and private organizations, police personnel in the region joined the Brigada Eskwela activities, such as cleaning school premises in preparation for the new academic year.
