Tarlac Police Provincial Office (TPPO) capacitated a total of 3,873 members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) to serve as force multipliers in maintaining peace and security. They underwent lectures on self-defense, intelligence, operations, community relations, and investigation procedures.
Police Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PLtCol. Romel Santos said these topics are important in securing the villages.
“As much as possible, we try to prevent crimes from happening. But in case that a crime has already happened, we have our BPATs as trained first responders in a crime scene,” he explained.
Particularly, participants were given a basic knowledge on investigation procedures and constitutional rights of a suspect.
In anticipation of an increase in crime incidents with the beginning of the holiday season, Santos emphasized the intensified police visibility along with the establishment of checkpoints in barangays.
Based on TPPO data, there are higher incidents of robbery, theft and motorcycle carnapping in the province during this season.
“In operations, we trained them how to set-up and conduct barangay checkpoints to ensure public safety, and to ward off suspicious persons from entering the villages. Our police hotlines are always open in case they need assistance,” Santos said.
Apart from barangays, Santos shared their partnership with private groups and universities to amplify their advocacy on crime prevention.
“Security is everyone’s business. We also raise the awareness of the community on crime prevention through a series of dialogues and lectures to keep them mindful and alert on what is happening around them,” he said.
Santos further underscored that crime prevention is a shared responsibility of the Philippine National Police, the government and community.
“Each of us has a role to safeguard our peace and security. Remember, a harmonious province attracts investors leading to a robust local economy,” he stated.
For their commitment, he vowed that TPPO will perform their duties and responsibilities to fight criminality in the province. (PIA 3)
PHOTO CAPTION:
Tarlac Police Provincial Office Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PLtCol. Romel Santos highlights the capacity building for 3,873 members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams in the entire province. (Trixie Joy B. Manalili/PIA 3)
