August 24, 2023

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today urged local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to support the Department of Education’s Balik Eskwela 2023 campaign by ensuring a peaceful and orderly commencement of classes on August 29, 2023.

“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,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said.

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 (CCTVs) cameras and ensuring that guards are in place, among others.

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, is also expected 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.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-to-LGUs-PNP-BFP-Support-DepEds-Balik-Eskwela-2023-campaign/NC-2023-1146