TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of Barangay Laya East attended a two-day refresher training on April 19 and 20 to address the lack of police presence in each barangay and to solve real-time crises if necessary.
The training’s goal is to build an effective community policing system through community collaboration.
According to Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Ford Wassig of the Philippine National Police, BPATs must collaborate with police authorities to maintain peace and order in their barangays.
Wassig emphasized the significance of cooperation among the BPAT as they are the ones in charge of keeping the peace in their own barangays.
“Awan iti makinabang nu haan nga dakayu ket apay madi tayu iti kapya ken talna?” he explained.
He emphasized that BPATs can help with law enforcement, community organization, disaster mitigation and relief, environmental preservation, and the barangay judicial system/conflict resolution in their barangay.
He reminded them that people should labor with pride rather than breaking the law.
The participants were given a crash course on their duties and responsibilities, specifically on the provisions of RA 9262 otherwise known as the “Anti-violence Against Women and Their Children,” RA 7160 otherwise known as the “Local Government Code” on the barangay justice system, Traffic Management, courtesy and discipline, RA 9165 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” first responders and basic investigation, moral recovery program, and arrest techniques and self-defense during the two-day training.
City Mayor Darwin Estrañero, through his representative Henry Gupaal, stressed in his message that they should not forget their oath-bound obligations and responsibilities.
He further stated that the city government is always available to assist them in keeping their barangays safe for the residents.
“Ti peace and order, dakayu nga barangay officials iti frontliners ket masapul natalna iti barangay tapnu amin dagituy kakailyan tayu ket nasayaat panag-biag da,” he said.
