Over 55,000 to be deployed for Balik Eskwela 2026 — PNP

More than 55,000 police personnel and force multipliers will be deployed nationwide for the opening of classes on June 8, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

PNP Directorate for Operations acting chief Police Brigadier General Rogelio Peñones Jr. said deployment plans have already been finalized to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and commuters.

"We can see here that we will deploy not less than 55,000 personnel, including force multipliers nationwide," Peñones said.

He said the security measures are part of the PNP’s annual Balik Eskwela operations and follow standard deployment templates used by police regional offices across the country.

No specific threats have been monitored in connection with the opening of classes, but regional directors have been instructed to strictly implement their security and deployment plans.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police visibility will be increased in schools, school premises, and along routes commonly used by students.

Nartatez emphasized that ensuring safety during the opening of classes is a shared responsibility among the police, school officials, local government units, and other government agencies.

“Hindi lang pulis ang may papel dito. Kailangan tulong-tulong tayo—lalo na ang school officials, local government units, at iba pang ahensya na nagpapatupad ng batas—para mapanatili ang katahimikan sa lugar,” he said.

(It’s not just the police who have a role here. We all need to work together—especially school officials, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies—to maintain peace in the area.)

The Department of Education (DepEd) has activated its nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela program for School Year 2026–2027.

The opening of classes is set on June 8.—MCG, GMA News