2,800 cops deployed for 2025-2026 school opening in BARMM

Over 2,800 police officers will be deployed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the opening of School Year 2025-2026, the Philippine National Police said Sunday.

“The safety of our students, teachers, and school staff remains our utmost priority. We want to ensure that our children return to school without fear or harm. Our police officers will be in every possible area to provide protection, guidance, and support,” PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III said in a statement.

PNP earlier said it will deploy some 37,000 police officers across the country for the opening of School Year 2025-2026, set on June 16.

The PNP said cops would be deployed to cover 45,974 schools to ensure public safety.

It added that there will be 5,079 Police Assistance Desks near school premises, manned by 10,759 police personnel to assist students, parents, and school staff.

PNP also noted that 10,687 officers will be assigned to mobile patrols and 16,366 to foot patrols.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 in Central Visayas has the highest deployment with 7,366 personnel, followed by PRO 5 in the Bicol Region with 2,962, and PRO 8 in Eastern Visayas with 2,376.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office will have 4,323 officers tasked to secure 1,204 schools in Metro Manila.

PNP also reminded the public to be cautious and immediately report any suspicious activity to authorities. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News