SAN SIMON -- In an aim to maintain peace and order in the community, the local government here led by Mayor Leonora Wong on Thursday held an enhancement training for 30 members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPats).
The seminar, spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Department of Interior and Local Government discussed the roles of BPATs members as first responders during times of untoward incidents.
This includes lectures on protection of women and children laws, hazard prevention and general safety, disaster preparedness, patrolling and proper composition of blotters in the barangay level.
Chief Inspector German Pascua, this town’s chief of police, cited the importance of having equipped and empowered BPats as they are deployed in the grassroots level to safeguard their respective communities.
“Napakahalaga ng role ng BPats sa crime prevention activities namin sa PNP dahil sila ang nasa grassroots. Kumbaga, back-up na lang kaming pulis, as well as bumbero sa panahon ng sunog kasi sila ang unang rumeresponde. At itong ganitong lecture ay napakahalaga para mai-perform nila ang kanilang trabaho,” he said.
Wong, who serves as chairwoman of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, said that her administration continues to prioritize peace and order since it plays a significant role in the development of the municipality.
“Ang economic development ay parating nagsisimula sa peace and order. Kapag maayos at tahimik ang lugar, maraming investors lalo na mga foreigners ang magnenegosyo doon. Kaya ganito rin ang ginagawa namin dito sa San Simon,” she said.
Wong also noted that the empowerment of barangay tanods and other village officials serve as augmentation to the local fire and police force, which has shortage of manpower and personnel, and ensure the peace and order in town.