PB backs bill creating baragay peace councils

CEBU, Philippines —  The Province of Cebu has expressed support for Senator Bato dela Rosa's Bill 233 or the creation of a Barangay Peace and Order Council.

The Provincial Board resolution was authored by 6th District Board Member Jovito Thadeo Ouano, the chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, Peace and Order and Dangerous Drugs Prevention.

Even with the existence of the peace and order councils in the national, provincial, municipal, and city levels, Dela Rosa said there is still the need for the citizens’ involvement in crime prevention in the grassroots level.

His bill requires that each barangay form a Peace and Order Council. This shall serve as the primary crime prevention and suppression tool in their respective areas of responsibility. If passed, it will be known as the Barangay Peace and Order Council Act.

The council will be tasked to "monitor and check the nefarious activities of criminal elements." The council will be headed by the barangay captain and will be funded with five percent of the barangay's total funds.

Part of the council's responsibility is to coordinate with their respective local government units, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire protection.

The approval of the bill and its implementation is targeted at aiding the PNP in its suppression of criminal activities. — BRP (FREEMAN)