MAASIN CITY (PIA) -- To avoid a repeat of the recent series of robbery incidents in public schools, the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), along with its field units, has been coordinating with communities to provide security especially in time with the opening of classes.

According to PCol. Mark Nalda, SLPPO information officer, in addition to their participation in the Brigada Eskwela, the men in uniform were constantly vigilant in doing routine patrols and security surveys along school vicinities.

The move was in response to reported robberies that happened to at least seven public schools in different parts of the province, where robbers barged into laboratory rooms and took computers, including CPUs.

Nalda said they already have suspects, but they found it hard to pin down as computer parts were reportedly disassembled and sold as separate units.

In doing the security survey, Nalda said authorities map out weak points in schools and seek solutions on how best to respond as a pre-emptive measure, Nalda said during the Oplan Brigada Eskweal at the provincial DepEd office last week.

It was observed that most of the schools where the items were stolen have no CCTV cameras installed or have no security guards, Nalda shared.

He appealed for the cooperation of the general public, the barangay officials where the schools are located, saying the PNP cannot watch all the nook and corners if only to secure students, teachers, and even parents. (LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte/With reports from Dahlia Abiera Orit)