PNP to remain on full alert until June 13

Despite a relatively peaceful start to the school year, the Philippine National Police will remain on full alert until at least June 13. PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo noted that some private schools are not due to start classes until next week, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported. Bacalzo said he wants his men to ensure students in all private and public schools are settled in before the PNP "relaxes" its alert status. In the meantime, Bacalzo said he wants police in Metro Manila and urban areas, including Davao and Baguio, to remain on full alert against criminals. Earlier, Metro Manila police head Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima described as peaceful the first day of classes. "Sa monitor natin naging maayos ang pagpasok ng estudyante sa kanilang eskwelahan. Karamihan dito elementary at high school (students) sa public schools, bihira pa ang kolehiyo at private schools," Purisima said in an interview on dzBB radio. (Our monitoring as of noon shows a smooth start to the school year. Most of those who went to school were students of public elementary and high schools. There were few students from colleges and private schools as of today.) He said many of the "problems" encountered by police manning student assistance desks were of students not knowing where their classrooms are. — RSJ, GMA News