TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Philippine National Police (PNP), in collaboration with the city government recently began an enhancement training for the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in each of the 43 barangays in the city, following the swearing-in of new officers from the various peace and order councils of each barangay.
Police Chief Master Sergeant (PCMS) Ford Wassig stated during the training at Barangay Dilag that since “knowledge is power,” each participant should take advantage of the chance to understand what they can and cannot do.
Wassig added that the participants are the implementing arm of peace and order in their barangays and that the city’s peace and order situation relies primarily on the peace and order situation in the barangay level.
“Dakayu ti pulis iti barangay. Haan kayu basta-basta,” he said, saying that their authority to police their own community comes from a series of laws and the constitution.
The officer continued by saying that in order to completely purge the city of all criminal activity, members of the BPAT and BADAC must collaborate closely with the local law enforcement.
Orlando Gunday of the City Barangay Affairs and Community Relations Office (CBACRO) gave a presentation to the attendees on the need of remembering their basic beliefs—Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Bain (PNB)—while carrying out their responsibilities.
“We adhere to the belief that life is important and should always be protected,” he said.
Basil Baluyan, Acting Mayor Dick Bal-o’s representative, praised the barangay peace keepers for their assistance and warned that without them, even small matters could clog the court dockets.
“Nu ma-ammuan yu ti linteg ket matulungan nga ma-unclog kas-kasu ta haan tu umabuten iti korte ta nu umabot tu idiay gamin ket maliklikan nga aggastu lang tao ti dakkel nga gatad,” he said.
Baluyan also emphasized the significance of maintaining drug-free conditions in their barangay, as this is a major impediment to the complete development of a barangay.
Finally, he assured the PNP and barangay authorities of the city government‘s support in their programs and other endeavors to ensure continuous peace and order in the city as a whole.
Also present in the program is City Mayor’s Office staff Enrique Baliang.