The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public of tighter security following the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep everything in order with the opening of in-person classes in schools in the coming academic year.
The 5-day face-to-face classes are set to return to “all” schools on November 2nd while maintaining blended learning in selected areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There were already some schools that started the limited face-to-face classes. We will be using the same template in the execution of security procedures to maintain a peaceful and friendly environment in schools,” said PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. in a statement, Thursday.
The PNP expects that when the implementation of physical classes is 100%, more will appear in schools and other public places.
“These areas of convergence are critical to our monitoring against criminal acts. We are also aware that the health protocol must still be observed just like the wearing of face masks to avoid the spread of the coronavirus and other infectious diseases,” added Danao.
PNP tightens security for face-to-face classes
The PNP is already in contact with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, to iron out a detailed action plan for ordinary school days and emergency situations.
“Integral to this is the identification of critical areas noted for crime incidence and those with high COVID-19 cases. Consequently, more personnel will be deployed in these areas,” said Danao.
The DepED recently issued Memorandum Order No. 34 s. 2022 which says full implementation of in-person classes before the end of 2022.
According to the said memo, August 20 is the beginning of school for the academic year 2022-2023 in all public schools in the country.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators said the country is not yet ready to return to full face-to-face classes.
Many parents are uncomfortable sending their children back to school in the face of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (Cocopea) has appealed to reconsider or reconsider the plan for 100 percent face-to-face classes.
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