• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Police presence in and around schools in Bacolod should be intensified with the opening of classes starting on June 8, the Sangguniang Panlungsod told the city police office.
It also urged all punong barangays to deploy tanods and traffic aides to assist the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD) in maintaining peace and order, managing traffic, and ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, parents, and pedestrians during the opening of classes and even throughout the school year.
“Increased police visibility and foot patrol operations serve as effective deterrents against criminal activities, such as theft, robbery, illegal drug activities, violence, gang-related incidents, harassment, and other threats to public safety,” Councilor Caesar Distrito said in his resolution approved by the SP June 3.
He stressed that educational institutions should remain safe spaces conducive to learning, personal development, and the wellbeing of students and school personnel.
The conduct of regular police patrols and the strategic deployment of BCPO personnel near schools “can contribute significantly to traffic management, crime prevention, emergency response readiness, and the maintenance of peace and order during school days,” Distrito added.
The barangay traffic personnel and tanods, meanwhile, shall serve as force multipliers and play a vital role in maintaining peace and order, assisting in traffic management, safeguarding school zones, and responding to community concerns within their respective barangays, he said in a related resolution also approved Wednesday.
The presence of tanods and traffic personnel in school vicinities can help deter criminal activities, promote discipline among motorists and pedestrians, reduce traffic congestion, and provide immediate assistance during emergencies and other incidents, the resolution said.
The enhanced coordination among the BCPO, BTTMD, punong barangays, school administrators, and community leaders will contribute significantly to a safer and more orderly environment conducive to learning, it added. | CGC
