The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will deploy 37,000 cops to secure the opening of classes nationwide on June 16.

In a radio interview on Saturday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the uniformed personnel will boost the beat patrols and police visibility in areas and roads leading to and from schools.

She said police assistance desks will be set up along with mobile and foot patrollers to secure and assist students, parents and school personnel.

“Nakahanda na tayo. Mahigit mga 37,000 police officers ang idedeploy natin (We are ready. We will deploy over 37,000 police officers),” Fajardo said.

The opening of classes will also serve as a test for the quick police response that PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre committed.

Torre said he intends to close all police boxes and police community precincts to maximize visibility on the roads and other parts of the community.

He said his policy aims to intensify efforts to arrest criminals and to eliminate threats in the community.

Torre said his challenge is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to go beyond improving crime statistics and focus on making people genuinely feel safer. (PNA)