ILOILO CITY — Thousands of students across Western Visayas returned to their classrooms on Monday, June 8, 2026, without any major security incident. The Police Regional Office 6 reported that the opening of classes was orderly, peaceful, and safe. Police officers were deployed to schools, transportation terminals, pedestrian crossings, and major roads throughout the region under Oplan Balik Eskwela.
Police Assistance Desks were established in schools to provide immediate support to students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The desks also facilitated coordination between schools and law enforcement authorities. The security effort formed part of PRO‑6's wider operations aimed at boosting police visibility, preventing crimes, and maintaining peace and order in and around educational institutions.
A Well‑Coordinated Community Effort
Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, regional director of PRO‑6, credited the smooth opening to strong collaboration among multiple stakeholders. "The generally peaceful and orderly opening of classes reflects our strong coordination with school officials, concerned agencies, and force multipliers," he said. He assured that police personnel will remain visible, approachable, and ready to assist.
The regional police chief highlighted the role of the Department of Education, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies in ensuring a secure environment. "Through the cooperation of DepEd, LGUs, other law enforcement agencies, and our communities, the movement of students, teachers, and parents entering schools was properly managed," Tuaño said. The collaborative approach ensured that every campus felt safe.
Sustained Vigilance Throughout the School Year
Tuaño confirmed that officers will continue to maintain a strong presence in schools and other key locations throughout the academic year. "We continue to deploy our police personnel under Oplan Balik Eskwela. We have intensified police visibility, traffic management, and security monitoring around schools, transport terminals, and other crowded places," he added.
While no significant security concern was recorded during the opening, he stressed that the regional police force remains vigilant. "Although we did not record any major security concern, we remain alert and prepared to respond to any situation to ensure a safe and orderly school year for everyone," Tuaño said. The commitment extends beyond a single day, promising a secure environment for the months ahead.
A Strong Foundation for Learning
A safe return to school is the first and most essential step toward a successful academic year. The incident‑free opening across Western Visayas demonstrates that proactive security measures, when coupled with genuine community cooperation, produce tangible results. Parents can feel confident that their children are protected from the moment they leave home.
The successful deployment under Oplan Balik Eskwela also reflects the broader professionalism of the region's police force. Tuaño expressed gratitude to the public for supporting the security operations and reaffirmed PRO‑6's commitment. "The people can be assured that Police Regional Office 6 will remain committed to delivering fast, honest, and responsive public service," he said.
