THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has directed local police chiefs to strengthen coordination with barangay officials to identify security threats and address risks arising from their duties.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that barangay officials are key partners in community policing and crime prevention. Thus, their role in maintaining peace and order also calls for stronger police support to protect their safety.
“Protecting those who help keep our communities safe is part of our duty to protect the public. Through stronger police coordination and timely action, we can identify threats early and ensure that our barangay officials can perform their duties without fear,” Nartatez said.
The instruction came amid reports of violence directed against barangay officials.
Aside from barangay officials, barangay security officers (tanods) were the subject of retaliatory attacks in the past.
Nartatez emphasized the need to provide barangay officers and workers the peace of mind that they, too, are protected in the performance of their duty.
“An attack on a barangay official is an attack on the safety of the community they serve. We will pursue those responsible and strengthen our coordination with local officials to address threats before they turn into violence. Public service must never come at the cost of one’s life,” Nartatez said.
