The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, had successfully ensured the safety and welfare of around 27 Million learners, from preschool to senior high school, nationwide during the opening of classes on June 16, 2025, under Oplan Balik-Eskwela for SY 2025–2026.
In full coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGUs), and other partner agencies, a total of 37,740 police personnel were strategically deployed in and around 45,974 school premises (comprising 38,292 public and 7,682 private institutions), as well as transportation terminals, and major roads for a smooth opening of classes. PNP also established 5,079 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) near school premises, manned by 10,759 police personnel tasked in assisting students, parents, and school staff. Furthermore, 10,687 officers were assigned to mobile patrols and 16,366 to foot patrols, ensuring heightened police visibility in high-density and identified critical areas.
Among the regional units, Police Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) had the highest deployment with 7,366 police personnel; followed by PRO 5 (Bicol Region) with 2,962; PROBAR (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region) with 2,898; PRO 8 (Eastern Visayas) with 2,376; and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) with 4,323 police officers securing 1,204 schools in Metro Manila.
Notably, the PNP Top Cop, himself, conducted an early morning inspection of key public schools in Quezon City on the same day. PGen Torre visited Batasan High School and President Corazon Aquino Elementary School, where he personally assessed the overall readiness of deployed police personnel in the vicinity, and interacted with school administrators and parents.
Following the school visits, the PNP Chief proceeded to the Quezon City Hall grounds, where he graced the Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Quezon City Government. He stood in solidarity with the city’s public servants and was warmly welcomed by Mayor Josephine “Joy” Belmonte, alongside other elected officials, department heads, and city government employees. His presence underscored the importance of strong inter-agency coordination between PNP and LGUs in promoting peace and order, particularly in urban communities like Quezon City.
“The safe return of our students to their schools is a shared victory of every police officer, teacher, parent, and member of the government. This morning, I personally visited key public schools in Quezon City and witnessed the discipline, cooperation, and preparedness of everyone on the ground. We remain fully committed to keeping our communities safe, especially for our children,” said PGen Torre.
The involvement of PNP went far beyond maintaining peace and order as personnel demonstrated their commitment to the development of Filipino youth and the promotion of safe learning environments through the Brigada Eskwela 2025. Prior to the opening of classes, police officers were seen assisting school teachers in cleaning, repairing, and repainting of classrooms, demonstrating a sense of community.
Overall, the peaceful opening of classes was attributed to the joint efforts of PNP, DepEd, LGUs and other stakeholders. PGen Torre’s swift and responsive public service, through intensified police presence in key areas, contributed to an orderly and smooth Balik Eskwela 2025.
