Pandemic classes unfortunately will still be in session.

Although President Rodrigo Duterte has rejected restarting physical classes until a COVID-19 vaccine is available, today he signed Republic Act No. 11480 amending Republic Act 7797, which allows him to move the opening of classes anytime between the first Monday of June until the last day of August.

Currently, the Department of Education (DepEd) is still pushing for the resumption of classes on Aug. 24 despite the continuous increase of COVID-19 cases.

Don’t panic though, the Philippine National Police gotchu. Brap, brap, back-to-school indeed.

Today, July 20, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said that they will support DepEd with its “Brigada Eskwela” and “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” programs.

“We will undertake the necessary activities and operations including implementation of security plan, attending coordination meetings with DepEd offices, LGUs, PTA, volunteer groups and stakeholders to carry out public safety services, conduct assessment on the security and safety operations for DepEd personnel who will deliver printed and digital modules to hard-to-reach areas,” said Gamboa at a virtual press meeting. The PNP chief also explained that it’s been their practice to provide security to protect students, teachers, and parents from any criminal elements.

PNP’s intentions sound pretty encouraging so far. However, we can’t help but reflect on what they could be really protecting us from. After all, the PNP has garnered a serious rap sheet during quarantine with controversial precedents such as comparing how they’d assist asymptomatic patients to “locating criminals,” arresting 20 Pride March participants without a warrant and allegedly breaching quarantine protocols on mass gatherings with NCRPO chief Debold Sinas’ “mañanita.”

Either way—whether you’re down or not—the PNP is here to help.