New barangay peace-keepers undergo training
Some 13,640 members of the Barangay Peacekeeping-Action Team (BCAT) newly organized by the Police Provincial Office (PPO) will undergo a five-day training under the supervision of the Police Community Relations Office (PCRO).
Their training will be held after they take their oath on August 14 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno will swear in the BPAT members totaling 13,640, with at least 10 representatives from each of the 1,300 barangays in the province.
The BPAT was organized to assist lawmen and the barangay tanod in maintaining peace and order by reporting crimes and providing information for the solution of crimes.
Speaking during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum here on Thursday, Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Percival Barba stressed that BPAT is not a vehicle for politics.
Puno has declared his intent to run as vice president in the May 2010 election.
PCRO head P/Supt. Policarpio Cayabyab said BPAT members, as “main operators in peacekeeping at the barangay level”, will be the new force multiplier of the PNP.
Barba said the BPAT members are expected to provide information on crimes being committed to enable the police to respond effectively and quickly.
They will not be armed but will have hand-held radios, at least 1,300 of which will soon be made available by the provincial government.
BPAT members are volunteers and will not receive any remuneration but Governor Amado Espino Jr. pledged to work for their insurance.—LM
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