SOME 318 police personnel under the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) program were deployed for various socio-economic and peacekeeping activities in seven identified barangays in Palapag and Mapanas towns in Northern Samar.
“We need to establish a convincing success story and replicate the same to the other barangays. The goal is to have a rhythmic effort in all Samar islands where communities totally abandon armed conflict and communist ideology and embrace a duly-established democratic government," said Brigadier General Vincent Calanoga, director of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO-8).
Major General Edgar Allan Okubo, director for Police Community Relations, also urged the new batch of R-PSB teams "to make small, quick impactful projects while undergoing the civic operation in order to win the support and trust of the individuals and families in the community."
During the recently-held send-off ceremony, the R-PSB teams brought with them several equipment "for operational capability and readiness" in their new assignment.
Among the equipment they brought for peace and progress efforts were units of StarLink, generator sets, laptops, projector with tripod screens, kevler portable speakers, blood pressure apparatus, first aid kits, wheelbarrows, shovels, haircut sets, and sports equipment.
Meanwhile, Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, together with Palapag Mayor Florence Batula, Mapanas Vice-Mayor Louisa Barbara Tejano, and other government officials expressed their support to R-PSB's six-month "holistic program" through its community engagements, information operations, and assistance in the delivery of socio-economic services in the areas.
The identified barangays include Osmeña, Bagacay, Capacujan, Sangay, and Cabatuan in Palapag and Barangays of Naparasan and Quezon in Mapanas.
Earlier, PRO-Eastern Visayas deployed the first seven R-PSB teams in San Roque, Northern Samar for the same activities. (SunStar Philippines)