ILOILO City – Tomorrow marks the beginning of a weeklong series of school cleanups, more popularly known as “Brigada Eskwela” – a prelude to the opening of classes on June 3.
In line with this, police personnel in the city and the region are ready to render their services.
“We have men deployed in all schools to help in the clean-up operation. They will help repair chairs and rooms,” said Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, spokeswoman of the Iloilo City Police Office.
Brigadier General John Bulalacao, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), also said his men will man areas near schools to ensure the safety of thousands of students and school personnel.
Some augmentation forces deployed to towns for the recently concluded May 13 midterm elections will also remain in their areas of assignment to help the local police.
“The opening of classes is fast approaching. Thus we are once again ready to implement our security plan. We have to make sure that students, especially newcomers, are well guarded from criminal gangs who will also take opportunity of the situation,” said Bulalacao.
PRO-6 will launch this week the “Ligtas Balik-Eskwela 2019,” which aims to attain zero crime incidents in all schools in Western Visayas.
“We will exert maximum efforts to prevent street crimes that would victimize students, teachers and parents who are gearing up for the opening of classes,” said Bulalacao. “I have ordered the enhancement of visibility patrols in areas adjacent to schools and in transportation hubs such as seaports, bus ports, airports, and in other areas of convergence.”
Bulalacao added that they will strengthen their collaboration with school administrators, local government units, and other government and nongovernment agencies to achieve a peaceful opening of classes.
“As the regional director, I assure our community members that we are on top of the situation and that we will ensure the maintenance of peace and order in Western Visayas during and even after the opening of classes,” he stressed./PN
