Sunstar Bacolod
Monday, February 05, 2018
By Glazyl Y. Masculino

A TOTAL of 355 volunteers of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) were deployed in all 23 villages of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental to in the fight against criminality and illegal activities.

Senior Inspector Rhojn Darrel Nigos, town police chief, said 15 BPATs are assigned in each barangay.

These BPATs, considered to be force multipliers, underwent a seven-day training from January 21 to 27 on basic response team and other operational procedures limited to their capacities in the occurrence of any incident.

The training was initiated by the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station with the support and assistance of Mayor Marvin Malacon, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office.

During the training, the BPAT volunteers were taught about Internal Security Operations, Intelligence Networking, Information Gathering, First Aid, Arrest Techniques, Self- Defense, and Report Writing. After which, delegates were given actual scenarios for them to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired during the entire course and subject for criticism by the training staff.

There were also topics on Human Rights, and Barangay Justice System.

The trainees were also taught on assisting sensitive cases like couples conflict, rape cases, children in conflict with the law, among others.

Nigos said the BPATs will primarily respond to the safety and security needs of its citizens in cooperation with the local police.

They can also conduct crisis management, disaster mitigation, search and rescue, conduct relief operations within the community, crime prevention and deterrence measures to protect the vulnerable sectors, and strengthen and support the barangay justice system.

However, Nigos reminded them that they are not allowed to carry or possess firearms as they will still be held liable criminally, if caught.

After a week of their deployment, Nigos said no significant incidents occured in the town.

The town has also two accomplishments on illegal drugs with the help of BPATs in information gathering.

Nigos said they can have another training next year if there will be additional force multipliers who would also like to volunteer.