BICOL — In a significant mobilization effort, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) deployed over 10,000 officers and established 428 police assistance desks (PADs) across the region to secure the opening of more than 3,800 schools on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 regional director, the initiative aims to ensure an orderly and secure start to the academic year. Dizon outlined the comprehensive security measures in place, including close communication with school officials, the provision of emergency hotline numbers, and strategies to address traffic congestion near schools along major highways. The regional police force has committed to a visible ongoing presence in educational settings to reassure students, teachers, parents, and guardians.
The deployment strategy includes regular foot and mobile patrols along key routes and highways leading to educational institutions, as well as close monitoring of areas within the immediate vicinity of schools. These patrols are designed to observe daily activities, prevent unauthorized access, and deter negative influences that might lead students towards vices or illegal activities.
In addition to security measures, PRO-5 has placed road safety marshals along main thoroughfares to manage traffic flow, ensuring the safe movement of students, teachers, and parents, and minimizing the risk of vehicular accidents during peak school hours.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) reported a preliminary count of 1,219,173 learners enrolled across 13 school divisions as of Monday. DepEd-Bicol spokesperson Mayflor Jumamil noted that enrollment figures are still being finalized, with some schools continuing to accept students and others yet to report their numbers, indicating that the final tally may increase.