Balik Eskwela: Over 300 police sent to secure Cebu City schools

CEBU CITY, Philippines — More than 300 police personnel fanned out across Cebu City on Monday, June 8, as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) rolled out security measures for the opening of School Year 2026-2027.

Police Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol said that these personnel went to secure 57 schools in different barangays as part of Balik Eskwela (Back to School) operations. Oriol is the deputy city director for administration of the CCPO.

Oriol said that the first day of classes was generally peaceful and orderly, particularly in public schools.

Initial assessment positive in Balik Eskwela Cebu City

“So far, based on our assessment, maayo ang atoang pagpahigayon sa pag-abli sa klase, ilabi na sa mga public schools. Malinawon ug hapsay,” he said.

(So far, based on our assessment, the opening of classes, especially in public schools, has gone well. Everything was peaceful and orderly.)

He expressed hope that the same situation would prevail throughout the school year and as more private schools resume classes.

LEARN MORE: Over 6K schools, 3.2M learners affected by M7.8 Mindanao quake

Balik Eskwela: No major incidents reported

According to Oriol, the police had not received any reports of disturbances, complaints, or medical emergencies during the opening day.

Reports from police personnel deployed to various schools indicated that classes opened without any major problems.

Oriol also credited the cooperation among the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), barangay officials, barangay tanods, and volunteers for helping maintain order and manage traffic around school zones.

Special focus on schools

“Wala man tay nadawat nga mga reklamo, either sa bisan unsa nga kasamok or any medical situation,” he said. (We have not received any reports of disturbances or any medical situation.)

While the CCPO’s mobile and foot patrol operations continue as part of regular police work, Oriol said additional attention is currently being given to schools.

READ ALSO: Parents, students return to schools as classes open for SY 2026-2027

Police personnel have been assigned to both large and small schools, with assistance from barangay tanods and crime prevention volunteers.

Round-the-clock coverage

“Naa na tay mga adjustment. Ang atoang lang hatagan gyud ug special nga pagtagad is ang deployment nato sa mga eskwelahan,” Oriol said.

(We have made adjustments. What we are giving special attention to is the deployment of personnel to schools.)

Oriol said the security deployment covers schools operating both during the day and at night.

He added that the arrangement would remain in place until further directives come from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas.

Security for all schools and learners

“Apil tanan,” he said when asked whether schools offering night classes were included in the security plan. (Everyone is included.)

He explained that schools with night classes are also covered by the deployment, while campuses that close in the evening are monitored accordingly.

As of Monday, June 8, the CCPO described the opening of classes in Cebu City as peaceful and orderly. Police will continue to coordinate with local officials and community volunteers to maintain security in and around schools.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.