The first week of classes in Cebu City passed without any major student-related incidents, according to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), which has also intensified dialogues with fraternities and schools to prevent violence and misconduct among the youth.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rodulf Oriol, CCPO deputy city director for administration, said authorities have not recorded any serious crimes involving students since the opening of classes for School Year 2026-2027.
“So far, since the opening of classes in both public and private schools, we have not received any major incidents or complaints involving students in the city,” Oriol told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday, June 16.
He said most concerns during the first week centered on traffic congestion, a recurring challenge as thousands of students return to campuses.
To address this, the CCPO coordinated with the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and barangay officials to manage traffic flow, particularly near schools and pedestrian crossings.
“Normally, traffic becomes heavier during the opening of classes. We have been working closely with CCTO and barangays to assist in traffic management, especially for students crossing roads,” Oriol said.
The CCPO also deployed additional personnel across the city under its “Balik Eskwela” security operations.
Aside from regular deployments, police officers have been assigned to mobile patrols and visibility operations to maintain a continuous law enforcement presence in key areas.
“We have deployed additional police officers aside from our usual personnel. Through moving patrols and visibility operations, there is always a police presence on the streets 24/7,” he said.
Oriol attributed the absence of student-related crime incidents to sustained law enforcement and crime prevention efforts that extend beyond the school opening period.
“We have not received reports of students becoming victims of crimes. That is why we continue to strengthen law enforcement not only during ‘Balik Eskwela’ but throughout the year,” he added.
Despite the peaceful opening of classes, Oriol acknowledged that concerns involving fraternities and youth groups remain among the issues raised by parents and communities.
He said these concerns have been incorporated into the police’s community engagement initiatives, including “Oplan Pakigsandurot,” which seeks to strengthen coordination among schools, barangays, parents, and law enforcement agencies.
According to Oriol, the police have already conducted dialogues with fraternity organizations and educational institutions to encourage responsible behavior and prevent activities that may negatively affect students.
He noted that many fraternity leaders have cooperated with authorities in keeping members away from illegal activities and harmful influences.
However, he emphasized the need for organizations to continue promoting discipline and ensuring that students remain focused on their education.
The CCPO said dialogues involving fraternity leaders, barangay officials, school representatives, and police officers will continue as part of efforts to maintain peace and order in schools and communities.
The Department of Education officially opened classes for School Year 2026-2027 on June 8 under a new three-term academic calendar, with national enrollment projected to reach between 26 million and 28 million students.
Photo courtesy of PNP Sawang Calero CPO Police Station 6
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