The Philippine National Police (PNP) hopes that communities will continue to protect cops tasked to implement the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) program.
"Kung makita ninyo ay baliktad. Imbis na si PNP ang mag-protect sa community, nakita natin ang community ang mag-protect sa kanilang mga kapulisan," said PMGen. Edgar Alan Okubo, director of PNP - Police Community Relations, during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime on Wedneday, March 27.
Okubo labeled the RPSB program as a "humanitarian mission," and not a "combat" or "law enforcement" operation.
The PNP official explained that RPSB program provides "quick response projects" to help in the improvement and development of barangays, particularly those cleared of illegal drugs, and communist insurgents.
"In a small way, nakikita natin na kapag natutulungan natin sila ay nag-reciprocate naman sila, talagang they protect yung pulis natin, ini-organize natin sila, at na-clear natin sa kanila na may gobyerno na talagang nagbibigay ng serbisyo sa median areas," Okubo said.
He admitted that the program falls outside of the regular tasks of the PNP, which include enforcing the law, and preventing the commission of a crime.
Under the RPSB program, the PNP deploys personnel as "liaison" to barangays.
Okubo said the program seeks to ensure that PNP sustain the gains of the government, and prevent the resurgence of communist insurgency or illegal drugs in the barangays.
"We will make these communities livable. Of course, magkakaroon sila ng mga proyekto at program na makakapagbigay para sa kanila ng pamuhunan o trabaho," the PNP official vowed.
