MANILA, June 1 -- More than 55,000 police officers and force multipliers will be deployed nationwide to help ensure the safe return of millions of students to their classrooms this June, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

PNP director for operations Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Penones said a total of 28,751 police personnel will be deployed for the opening of classes, including officers assigned to police assistance desks and those tasked with mobile patrol operations.

The deployment will be augmented by 4,079 personnel from other PNP units and 22,677 force multipliers or volunteer groups.

"Our deployment is already outlined. As the program director, I already directed the different regional offices to strictly monitor the...