pnp-depedCamp RupertoKangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte – The opening of classes for School Year 2016-2017 in both public and private institutions will start on June 13, 2016 while some school started their classes earlier than scheduled.

As expected, students will troop to schools which may be taken advantage by lawless elements to carry out their nefarious acts such as snatching, swindling, robbery, street- level drug trafficking as well as bullying and harassment. Likewise, militant groups is expected to stage mass protests against the implementation of the K-to 12 program.

The Police Regional Office – 8 under the leadership of PCSUPT JOSE ERWIN TVILLACORTE, Regional Director, in close coordination with DepEd and other national and local government agencies, is all geared up in ensuring a secured and orderly opening of classes on June 13, 2016.

As a preliminary activity of the Police Community Relations, PRO8 has started joining the DepEd’s “BrigadaEskwela” Program in preparing the public school classrooms for the opening of classes, says PCSUPT VILLACORTE.

PRO-8 has already established Police Assistance Desks (PADs) in most school campuses or clustered schools nationwide. This will also be established at the airports, seaports, transport terminals, malls, business center and other areas of convergence to provide public safety and security coverage.

Police personnel will also be deployed to conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and thoroughfares leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of the schools.

Furthermore, PRO-8 in coordination with the school officials, will also conduct police visibility operations at school premises to prevent cases of bullying all throughout the school year.

PCSUPT VILLACORTE added that PRO-8 have coordinated with the different LGUs to ensure the strict implementation of zoning ordinances prohibiting the existence of computer shops, billiard establishments and other distractive games and recreation within the immediate vicinity of schools.

Prohibition of overloading of public utility vehicles during the whole school year to ensure the safety of the students has been coordinated to concerned government agencies.

Nevertheless, the PNP assures the public that its basic police duties and responsibilities in the maintenance of peace and order and other public safety services will not be compromised.

Likewise, PRO8 encourages the public especially the students to report any incident of bullying or other street crimes to policemen assigned at PADs or through the social media (Twitter – @Pro8Pcrd or Facebook Page – Pulis ha RehiyonOtso) or through the following: Dial 117 or text 2920; RTOC 09173114794/09478907155 and Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip 09178475757. PNP-8