DILG cites role of community-based groups vs. criminality
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said police crime solution efficiency is improved by harnessing public support from communities, as he cited the contribution of Kababayan Centers and other groups in law enforcement initiatives.
Puno said under the COPS program, about 3,365 centers and community police precincts have already been set up, complemented by 1,592 barangay-based information networks, and Barangay Human Rights action centers established in 32,297 out of 41,9994 barangays, to empower ordinary citizens in promoting and protecting human rights at the barangay level.
Puno added that the People's Action Team Responding On-Line, or what is popularly known as Patrol 117, has so far established calling centers located in 22 cities nationwide.
Other than this, the Philippine National Police (PNP)has also teamed up with various socio-civic organizations such as the Junior Chamber International Philippines, Alliance of PNP Accredited NGOs, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the rotary Club of new Manila, in its campaign against criminality.
"To improve our crime efficiency rate, we aim to get our citizenry more involved in our law enforcement programs," Puno said.
He also said that the DILG is continuously upgrading the facilities and equipment of the community-based centers as they plan to establish more of this to improve the response time of PNP to emergency calls from the citizens.
(PIA 6/ESS)