Peacekeeping action teams deployed in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – The Bohol Provincial Police Office will employ the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPAT) as force multipliers for an intelligence-driven Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS).

The Philippine National Police employs BPAT under the concept of Barangay Peace-keeping Operations (BPKO), which serves as its “catch-all” strategy in maintaining peace and order.

“BPAT shall be composed of different sectors in the community as force multipliers and takes charge in conducting community-based activities and information campaign in support of PNP’s anti-criminality effort, internal security operation, and disaster management and control program,” said police community relations officer PSupt. Antonieto Cuyos.

Cuyos said BPAT would also help in “on-the-spot conflict resolution” together with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Local Government Units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies.

For his part, Provincial Police Director Constantino Barot Jr. admitted the police force is facing a greater challenge because of the technology that criminals use to carry out their plans.

Despite this, he said the number of crimes reportedly decreased, especially on robbery incidents, street crimes, crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding criminals, and firearms-related incidents. Because of this, Barot assured that Bohol remains “a safe place to live, work, invest and do business in.”

“There is a remarkable development in anti-robbery operations, as the frequency of its occurrence continue to dwindle for the past several weeks,” Barot said.

In January, the police and military in Bohol intensified the “Bantay Kalinaw” operation, specifying the creation of Task Force Kalasag.

In February, they created the Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center and by April, they would embark on a full swing counter-terrorism plan.

The PIPS focuses on anti-bank robbery drive, checkpoint plan and the “No Plate-No Travel Policy”.

Barot said the police are being backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to maintain security in the province.

“As a policy, both agencies have already enacted measures to ensure that Bohol remains free from armed conflict,” Barot said. – Angeline Valencia/JMO (THE FREEMAN)