Dumaguete city: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) on Tuesday assured the public that its personnel are observing Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines on police visits to schools, including restrictions on firearms and the requirement to coordinate with school officials before entering campuses. Capt. Stephen Polinar, NOrPPO spokesperson, said during a Zoom press briefing that the police are following the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencia Nartatez Jr. to strictly observe the protocols to prevent panic and fear among learners who may encounter armed police personnel inside school premises.
According to Philippines News Agency, Polinar stated, "We have categorized our schools as zones of peace, hence, police personnel cannot display or carry their firearms, particularly on campus." He emphasized that police personnel conducting school visits have been instructed not to wear combat uniforms to project a more friendly and approachable image. Personnel from the Police Community Relations Desk and the Police Community Affairs and Development Unit are primarily assigned to conduct school visits, he added.
Polinar further explained that patrol vehicles and armed police personnel are stationed outside school gates and are not allowed to enter campus premises unless they have properly coordinated with school officials. The assurance came following another shooting incident at a private school in Zamboanga on Tuesday, renewing concerns over security in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, NOrPPO will intensify police visibility and routine operations as Silliman University in Dumaguete City celebrates its Founder's Day, with activities scheduled until Aug. 28. Polinar noted that the deployment will include special police units and K9 sniffing dogs, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, starting Wednesday during the Parade of Lights and the opening of the Hibalag booths.
Police expect an influx of alumni and tourists in Dumaguete City in the coming days for the festivities.
