Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. on Thursday directed all local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to support the Department of Education’s Balik Eskwela 2023 campaign by ensuring a peaceful and orderly start of classes on Aug. 29.
“Peace and order are paramount priorities in Balik-Eskwela 2023. To our LGUs and law enforcement units, be vigilant and be on your toes to ensure the safety of our students, parents, and teachers ngayong pagsisimula ng pasukan (with the start of classes),” he said in a statement,
In a memorandum, Abalos encouraged LGUs to lead the Bantay Peligro activities for Balik-Eskwela 2023 by undertaking activities that will ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all students, parents and teachers such as convening the Local Peace and Order Council (LPOC) for action planning to identify and assess any potential risk and hazards in school zones.
He likewise asked LGUs to deploy law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, medical personnel and other force multipliers; and ensure sufficient security measures such as installation and monitoring of close-circuit television cameras.
In the same directive, the DILG tapped the PNP to work with LGUs for Bantay Peligro by increasing police visibility within school premises and establishing police help desks within or near school zones.
The BFP, meanwhile, was tasked to coordinate and provide necessary aid to LGUs and PNP in responding to emergency situations that may arise and in dealing with other public safety concerns.
The DILG also urged all local chief executives (LCEs) for Bantay Presyo to monitor the prices of goods and school supplies to avoid overpricing at the start of the school year in accordance with the Department of Trade and Industry’s “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies” program. (PNA)
