PNP probes armed cops during in-person classes in Alaminos, Pangasinan

By Eva Visperas

ALAMINOS CITY— The Ilocos police is investigating possible security lapses after a photo that went viral showed a policeman with a long firearm in a classroom during the pilot limited face-to-face classes in this city on Monday.
    Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, Ilocos police director, said a memorandum was issued to all chiefs of police and commanders of mobile forces in the region reminding them of the guidelines and protocols in adhering to the Department of Education (DepEd)’s National Framework on Learners and Schools as Zones of Peace.
    The regional police office received reports that armed uniformed Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were seen at the Longos Elementary School.
    Peralta said the Ilocos police office is committed to respect DepEd’s policies in declaring all schools as zones of peace while providing security to teachers, students and school authorities in the exercise of their mandate.
    Alaminos Mayor Arthur Bryan Celeste denied that the policeman in the viral photo was part of his security detail.
    Celeste said the policeman was part of the security team requested by an official of the school.
    To prevent similar incidents, the DepEd reminded field officials and school heads to always adhere to existing policies in schools.
    PNP chief Lt. Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the public should consider the circumstances on the presence of armed policemen in the school.
    “How is the manner of the firearms being brought? Anong klase?” he asked.
    Carlos said there is nothing wrong if the policemen presented themselves with proper decorum.
    “They are identified policemen, they have their IDs, they have their name plates. I don’t think there is anything wrong with them carrying a firearm,” he said.
    Aside from Longos Elementary School, nine other schools in the entire Ilocos region are participating in the in-person classes.
    These are Alao-ao Elementary School and Paddagan Elementary School in Bangui, Abra; Dumalneg Elementary School, Dumalneg National High School and San Isidro Elementary School in Dumalneg; Cacafean Elementary School in Marcos, and Buanga Elementary School, Godogod Elementary School and Bicbica Elementary School in Pinili, in Ilocos Norte.