LUBAO, Pampanga – Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda pledged her support for the proposed enhancement program for Barangay Intelligence Networks (BINs) through capability building and skills training of Barangay Protection and Action Team (BPAT) members.
This transpired during the post-election Command Conference of Pampanga police chiefs and officials yesterday.
At said event, Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, officer-in-charge of Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) noted the significant role played by village watchmen and purok leaders in their respective areas and their contribution for the successful and peaceful conduct of elections on May 13.
Also, village watchmen – commonly referred to as bantay bayan or barangay tanod – serve as the primary source of intelligence and information in aid of the anti-criminality efforts of law enforcers, it was learned.
Thus, Pineda and Albayalde saw it fit to help improve the existing BINs of the province through the provision of incentives and skills training for the 10,000 bantay bayan throughout the province.
“We are very fortunate since we have a governor who is very supportive and aware of the village watchers’ needs. Her full support is very crucial for the success of this project,” the PPO OIC explained.
Albayalde also noted the efforts of village watchmen in the maintenance of peace and order and it should be properly compensated since they also put their lives on the line as they perform their duties.
Capability-enhancement training
The skills enhancement training for village watchmen will commence next month to be conducted by instructors from PPO and Central Luzon Police Regional Office (PRO-III).
Participants will be educated with the legal boundaries of their position as village watchmen, particularly the exercise of their right to conduct citizens’ arrest and police intervention techniques like proper hand cuffing if the need arises.
“The training will also include First Responder Course wherein participants will be taught on how to properly preserve a crime scene. Village watchmen are usually the first one to respond to emergency and distress calls, especially in far flung areas,” Albayalde explained.
Trainings will be conducted per district followed by a mass graduation of participants upon the completion of the course.
“My current victory shows that the people trust our administration and are pleased with the current peace and order in the province. The peaceful conduct of polls was made possible through the collaborative efforts of village watchmen, government officials, Philippine Army, and forces of PNP. Let us do our best and utilize every means available to keep our province peaceful throughout the year,” Pineda said.
By Angelique Tuazon
