NCRPO Deploys Over 5,300 Officers for Safe Class Opening in Metro Manila

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has mobilized more than 5,300 police personnel to ensure the safety and security of students, educators, and parents during the opening of classes in Metro Manila, scheduled for June 16, 2025. This deployment is part of the 'Oplan Balik-Eskwela' initiative, which aims to provide a safe environment for academic activities in light of rising concerns about security in urban areas.

According to Major General Anthony A. Aberin, Director of NCRPO, the comprehensive security measures include mobile patrols and the establishment of Police Assistance Desks (PADs) near educational institutions. "We want to reassure students, parents, and educators that NCRPO will be present to ensure safety and security, anchored on our recalibrated police visibility and our institutionalized quick response to emergencies," Aberin stated during a press briefing.

Of the total personnel deployed, 1,429 officers will operate Police Assistance Desks strategically positioned near schools, supported by tactical units such as the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) and K9 units. Furthermore, 1,135 mobile patrol units and 1,731 foot patrol officers are dispatched throughout the five police districts and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB). This initiative aims to ensure continuous ground coverage around educational institutions and high-traffic areas.

NCRPO data indicates that the Southern Police District (SPD) is responsible for the largest share of the deployment, with 1,612 personnel assigned, followed by the Northern Police District (NPD) at 1,240, and the Manila Police District (MPD) at 955 officers. These deployments are complemented by close coordination with local school officials, involving pre-opening safety meetings and area assessments to identify potential risks.

Aberin emphasized the importance of police presence, stating, "Regardless of the number of personnel deployed in each area, their presence serves as a powerful deterrent and a source of confidence for the community." He also expressed gratitude to Metro Manila residents for their positive reception of the reinforced security measures, which have contributed to a heightened sense of safety and reassurance in neighborhoods.

As schools across the nation prepare to welcome students back into the classroom, this initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a secure environment for education. The deployment of such a significant number of police officers underscores the NCRPO's proactive approach to safeguarding the community and addressing potential security concerns as the academic year begins.

The Oplan Balik-Eskwela program not only highlights the NCRPO's role in community safety but also invites scrutiny about the adequacy of public safety measures in urban education settings. In light of recent discussions regarding school safety protocols, the NCRPO's actions may serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance security in educational environments. As the initiative unfolds, the effectiveness of these measures will be pivotal in shaping public perception and ensuring a smooth transition back to school for thousands of students in Metro Manila.