Bato highlights the importance of barangay as one of the 5 pillars of criminal justice

CITY OF MALOLOS – Former Philippine National Police Chief General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa pinpointed the importance of the smallest unit of government in establishing the criminal justice in the country during the “Symposium on Community-based Rehabilitation Program cum Paglulunsad ng Barangay Seal of Good Local Governance at KKK sa Barangay: Pananagutan ng Bulacan para sa Kalikasan (Save Manila Bay Project)” event held today at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here.

Speaking to the barangay captains and councilors of the 569 barangays of Bulacan, Bato said that the community as part of the 5 pillars of criminal justice, together with the law enforcement, prosecution, courts and corrections, is crucial in the attainment of the overall peace and order of the country.

“Ang palaging sinasabi ng ating Pangulo Rodrigo Roa Duterte, importante ang mga nasa barangay dahil hindi katulad ng mga pulis na mayroong armas na nakikipaglaban sa drug personalities, pero ‘yung mga barangay official na ‘yan, araw-araw na nakikipag-engage sa drug personalities ng walang armas,” the former PNP chief said.

Also, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri said that barangay officials should enjoy their benefits stated on Section 393 of the Local Government Code.

“Ang mahirap sa ating mga nasa barangay, trabaho tayo ng trabaho, alam na alam natin ang mga tungkulin natin pero hindi natin alam ang mga benepisyo na dapat nating tanggapin tulad ng honorarium, barangay officials’ insurance, barangay tanod’s insurance kapag nagkasakit o naaksidente in line of duty, free hospitalization, free matriculation, civil service eligibility and Christmas bonus,” Asec. Echiverri said.

In addition, as representative from the DILG, Asec. Echiverri conferred to the Provincial Government of Bulacan the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Silver Award in recognition of its exemplary efforts and performance of its duties in complementing in the national government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign and in garnering a score of 85 to 99 functionality points during the conduct of the 2017 ADAC Performance Audit.

Meanwhile, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that although material things aren’t enough in exchange of the hardships of the barangay officials, they are working so much to fulfill their duties.

“Bagamat ang barangay ang pinakamababang sangay ng ating lipunan, subalit masasabi nating pinakamahalaga at pinakamalapit sa pakikipag-ugnay sa ating mga nasasakupan. Kayo ang may kakayahang makinig sa hinaing ng sambayanan, tukuyin ang katiyakan ng mga suliranin, magbigay ng solusyon at higit sa lahat tumugon sa mga pangangailangan at hamon ng ating lipunan,” the governor said.

The attendees became well-versed on various topics through a Symposium on the Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP), launching of the Barangay Seal of Good Local Governance and KKK sa Barangay: Pananagutan ng Barangay para sa Kalikasan Project.