Balik Eskwela 2026: Cebu City police sound warning on crime, traffic
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has advised the public to remain vigilant against possible petty crimes and prepare for heavier traffic as classes resume across the city.
In an interview, Police Col. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the CCPO, said authorities are closely monitoring as incidents commonly arise during the Balik Eskwela season.
READ: Balik Eskwela: Over 300 police sent to secure Cebu City schools
Be mindful of bringing gadgets
Oriol advised students and parents alike to avoid bringing gadgets and other valuable items to school to minimize the risk of petty crimes such as theft and robbery.
He particularly urged parents not to allow their children to bring expensive items, including cellular phones, jewelry, and other valuables, unless necessary.
According to Oriol, such precautions would help prevent such incidents.
READ: Balik Eskwela: Officials prepare Cebu’s bus terminals
“Atong pahimangno lang sa atoang mga kabatan-onan, ilikay nato ang kanang magdala og lainlaing mga bag, gadgets, ilahang mga cellphones. Ato usab hangyoon atong mga ginikanan nga dili sa nato padad-on gyud naturally atong mga bata og mga cellphones, mga valuable jewelry or anything ngadto sa ilahang skwelahan kay paglikay na lang pod na sa mga petty crimes nga dili gyud nato pa pugngan,” he said.
(A reminder to our students, avoid bringing different bags with gadgets like phones. We are calling on parents to not let your children bring cellphones, valuable jewelry, or anything to school to keep away from petty crimes that we cannot foresee.)
Heavier traffic expected
Aside from monitoring crimes, Oriol also advised motorists to expect heavier traffic with the reopening of classes, noting that the increase in the number of vehicles on the road goes with the school season.
He appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and exercise patience while driving, whether using motorcycles or four-wheeled vehicles.
“Expected gyud nga kun magsugod ang klase, moapil pod diha ang kahuot sa atong trapiko. Mao nga among ginahangyo ang tanang motorista sa pagtuman lang sa mga lagda sa trapiko ug ipabilin nato ang pasensya kay mouban gyud na sa pag-abli sa klase ang pagdaghan sa mga sakyanan sa kadalanan,” Oriol said.
(It is expected that once classes begin, traffic congestion will also worsen. That is why we are appealing to all motorists to obey traffic rules and remain patient because the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads comes with the opening of classes.)
As classes start, police urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and orderly school season.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
