QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is all set for the opening of school this year.

NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said that the Metro Manila police is in full force for the “Balik Eskwela 2023” in time for the opening of classes on August 29.

“The safety and security of the students is our top priority. We have already established a security plan including the deployment of our personnel ready to assist and watch over the safety of the students, as well as all the teachers and guardians,” said Nartatez.

A total of 5,085 Metro Manila police personnel will be deployed in some 1,262 public and private schools in the National Capital Region.

Police personnel will include NCRPO’s Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, K9, mobile patrol, and foot patrol that will intensify law enforcement activities at schools, transportation hubs, and places of convergence to secure students, guardians, and teachers from crime incidents such as physical injuries, robbery, and theft among others.

Likewise, a total of 668 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) to be manned by 1,572 police officers will also be established near the entrance gate of school campuses in coordination with officials from the Department of Education to cater to any concerns or queries from the public.

Coordinating meetings and dialogues with school officials were also held to ensure public safety services such as drug abuse prevention, information drives, and other anti-criminality programs to prevent students from engaging in vices and illegal activities.

“I also encourage everyone to approach policemen whenever security concern is needed for they will always be there to help you to ease your fear of being victims of lawless elements,” Nartatez added. (NCRPO/PIA-NCR)