Manila cops on double alert as schools start early

Police assigned at the Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang went on double alert Monday as classes in colleges in the area started the school year early. According to a report by radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo, Manila police are keeping watch not only against criminals but also against rallies protesting tuition hikes. "Meron tayong instruction galing sa taas na sana magkaroon ng zero crime dito sa pagbukas ng klase. Maximum police visibility sa perimeter of several schools in Mendiola ... di lang sa [mga] kriminal kundi mga nagra-rally (We have instructions from our superiors to ensure zero crime at the start of classes. So we are maintaining maximum police visibility at the perimeter of schools in Mendiola, not just against criminals but also against rallies by militant groups)," a police officer patrolling the area said. Barricades, rolls of barbed wire and police shields were also positioned at Mendiola for immediate deployment if needed, the same report said. On the other hand, the Manila Police District started monitoring school zones via closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, even as police reminded students not to show off cell phones and jewelry. Universities near Mendiola that started the school year early included Centro Escolar University, San Beda College and St. Jude College, the dzBB report said. Other schools such as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines are due to start classes on June 15. Whistles, vigilance Meanwhile, National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina warned students against "classic" modus operandi by groups out to fleece or mug them. Espina said some groups will block the paths of students in malls or business establishments and pretend they lost something. While the student talks with the supposed victim, another member of the group will steal the student’s belongings. In some cases, they will accuse the student of taking their items, then demand to inspect the prospective victim’s bag. "Kunwari biktima sila, they will distract the attention or go into conversation until you fall prey (They will pretend to be victims of theft, they will distract the attention of students or go into a conversation until the students fall prey)," Espina said in an interview on dwIZ radio. For its part, the Metro Manila police encouraged students to use whistles to call the attention of police or village watchmen. Radio dzBB reported the police said such whistles cost only P5 to P10 and have been effective in deterring crime. — RSJ, GMANews.TV