Smooth, orderly opening of new school yr. –PNP

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The opening of classes for Academic Year 2025-2026 in the Bicol Region was peaceful and orderly, the chief of the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) said on Monday.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said 2,962 police officers were deployed to ensure safety in 3,562 public schools in the region.

“In Bicol, there were no incidents. We did not receive any reports from our municipal and city police stations regarding the first day of school. The opening was very smooth,” Dizon said in an interview.

He emphasized that police presence in schools is crucial for the safety of students, teachers and the general public.

“We established various public assistance desks to ensure that our police officers can respond immediately to different scenarios that may arise. We will maintain the deployment of officers, along with our force multipliers, to secure the safety of our learners,” he said.

Dizon said the PRO-5 set up 464 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) near school entrances, managed by 1,194 officers.

Meanwhile, 804 officers were assigned to mobile patrols while 964 served as foot patrollers.

“We will continue to monitor the school opening and rest assured that our police officers are prepared to respond and provide the necessary assistance in their areas,” Dizon said.

Lawyer Carmen Taopo, a mother of two, spoke about her experience on the first day of classes.

“The first day went well. We didn’t encounter any difficulties. There was an assistance desk outside the school, and police and security guards were present. I appreciate the excellent and orderly system implemented by the school, police, and community,” she said.

Taopo added that as a working mother, she felt secure about her children’s safety.

“I hope our police, barangay officials and schools continue to have systems like this. It helps parents feel more secure and prevents negative incidents from occurring,” she added.

Serena Sese, head of a remote school in Masbate province, expressed gratitude for the support provided by all stakeholders to keep school opening peaceful.

“As a distant school, every bit of help counts -- from Brigada Eskwela to the school opening, they have assisted us with everything from cleaning to security. We are thankful to all of them,” she said.

Christene Villanueva, a teacher at Mabini Elementary School, reported that the opening day went smoothly.

“The children entered the school without any issues, with 96 students admitted. So far, everything is going well. Barangay officials and barangay police are on duty, and police officers are present outside, providing contact numbers in case assistance is needed,” she said. (PNA)

SAFE SCHOOLS. A police officer assists students during the opening of classes in Tabaco City, Albay on Monday (June 16, 2025). The Police Regional Office in Bicol deployed nearly 3,000 police officers for the opening of classes. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)