The Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of Mainit, Iligan City was trained in basic law enforcement and peacekeeping tactics brought by the joint efforts of the Philippine Army, Police, and the DILG last August 26th. This is part of the localized implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP), the flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
LGOO IV Vel Brylle Inot provided the legal bases of why the BPATs were created and how they can help keep the peace in their barangays. He reminded the participants that they are the community’s first responders during crises and that they should be alert and ready at all times while maintaining a good demeanor and courtesy to their community members.
Part of the training was a run-through on the basic functions and traits of a BPAT officer along with a short course on basic hand-to-hand combat and defense mechanisms against bladed weapons. The BPAT officers were receptive to the inputs given by the AFP and PNP.
Under chapter 2, section 387 of the Local Government Code, the Sangguniang Barangay may form community brigades to carry out the purposes of the barangay government in accordance with the needs of their constituents. The BPAT is supervised by the punong barangays.
