OVER 3,000 COPS DEPLOYED FOR SAFE SCHOOL OPENING IN CENTRAL LUZON

BY KEVIN GALANG

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has deployed more than 3,500 policemen across Central Luzon to ensure the safety and security of students, teachers, and school personnel as classes resume June 8 under the nationwide implementation of Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2026.

According to PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, the regional police force is fully prepared for the opening of classes, with security measures already in place in thousands of schools throughout the region.

Mendez said a total of 3,537 personnel  were sent to  secure 4,376 public and private schools in Central Luzon. 

The deployment includes 1,911 Philippine National Police personnel, 299 representatives from other government agencies, and 1,327 force multipliers.

The security plan also provides for the establishment of 279 Police Assistance Desks (PADs), along with the deployment of 777 mobile patrol units and 517 foot patrol teams to ensure police visibility and immediate response to any incidents that may arise during the school opening.

The official said that police officers were strategically stationed along school routes, transportation hubs, and communities to help maintain peace and order and provide reassurance to parents and educators.

“As classes resume, our police officers will be where they are needed most—along school routes, near transport hubs, and in communities—to ensure the safety of our learners and the peace of mind of parents and teachers,” Mendez said.

He added that the deployment reflects PRO3’s commitment to delivering efficient and responsive public service while supporting the Philippine National Police’s focused agenda on public safety and community engagement under PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..

The regional director also underscored the importance of close coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, school authorities, and community volunteers to ensure a smooth and orderly reopening of schools.

Oplan Balik-Eskwela is an annual security program implemented by the PNP to address potential safety concerns during the opening of classes, including traffic management, crime prevention, anti-bullying awareness, and emergency response preparedness.