The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said it will activate a nationwide security and public safety plan for the school opening in June.

PNP chief Jesus Verzosa said the police force will implement Letter of Instructions Sangingat-Bravo and Balik-Paaralan to ensure the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns including threat from criminals who may take advantage of the school opening.

Verzosa said police units have been told to particularly zero in on petty thieves, drug traffickers and violent street gangs who may "infiltrate the ranks of the students."

The police chief said police directors have been ordered to visit schools during the opening of classes and lead the distribution of "anti-crime flyers" to students.

He said the PNP has given regional police directors the discretionary authority to raise alert levels as they see it fit to effectively implement Oplan Balik Paaralan.

Verzosa added that he had also instructed all police units to coordinate closely with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education and Commission of Higher Education to ensure safety and security of students.

"The PNP will also mobilize civic and volunteer organizations to assist in traffic control and other related public safety concerns," Verzosa said.

Meanwhile, the PNP said its regional office in Metro Manila has already set up security measures for the opening of classes.

It said the five police districts in Metro Manila have been ordered to field policemen within the vicinity of schools for foot, mobile and police visibility patrols.

The PNP said policemen will also assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in managing traffic around the metropolis, particularly at the university belt in Manila.