ILOILO City – The resumption of classes in public elementary and high schools here was generally peaceful, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
“So far we have not received reports about students having been victimized by criminals,” Senior Inspector Shella Mae Sangrines, city police spokesperson, told Panay News yesterday afternoon.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, six police stations reported no school opening-related complaints.
“We hope our students will continue to be wary of opportunists,” said Sangrines.
Data from the Department of Education Region 6’s Policy, Planning and Research Division showed 81,956 enrollees in public elementary and high schools in Iloilo City.
Sangrines reminded students against bringing contrabands in schools such as deadly weapons and for them to stay away from illegal drugs fraternities.
“Focus instead on your studies,” she said. “Usually fraternities and gangs target new students.”
Around a thousand police personnel in this city kept the resumption of classes peaceful and orderly — 700 augmentation policemen from the Police Regional Office 6 and 400 of the ICPO.
Police assistance desks were set up in schools and manned by at least two police officers.
Senior Henry Biñas, city police director, said their Oplan Ligtas Balik Eskwela called for maximum police visibility.
“We have intelligence personnel, too, monitoring the movements of drug peddlers. We know students are vulnerable to illegal drugs,” said Biñas.
Aside from schools, bus and jeepney terminals and even seaports were also posted with policemen.
“Be wary of thieves and swindlers. Take good care of your valuables,” Biñas advised students. “Do not hesitate to seek help from policemen.”/PN
