POLICE Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayas Director Brigadier General Leo Francisco has ordered all station commanders to ensure the safety and order of the opening of classes in Western Visayas next week.

Francisco, in a statement, said that he had already instructed all unit commanders to ensure that everyone is safe and that the resumption of face-to-face (F2F) classes will be peaceful.

He said law enforcement operations will be intensified to prevent the occurrence of crime and to prevent lawless elements from launching their "evil plans."

He added that they will maximize the deployment of its personnel in identified strategic areas such as terminals, transportation hubs, vicinities of the schools and main thoroughfares.

The regional director noted that there will be established police assistance desks, mobile, foot and detective patrollers in these areas.

Francisco said police should have close coordination with the school authorities and local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of the students.

He said they will also tap the traffic enforcement units of the LGUs to help the police in manning the traffic to ensure the smooth movement and flow of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the barangay officials, tanods and other force multipliers will also be utilized to assist the police in the maintenance of peace and order and to ensure public safety in their respective barangays.

“They are our active partners and surely we can accomplish more as we collaborate our efforts with them,” Francisco said.

“Rest assured that your police in the region is being proactive and committed to doing its best to ensure that the opening of classes is orderly and peaceful,” he added.