CCPO signs MOA with barangays for peace and order efforts

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s public order and safety is expected to improve following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for cooperation between the city’s barangays and the Cebu City Police Office.

Cebu City Police Chief P/Col. Antonietto Cañete emphasized that maintaining peace and order is not solely the responsibility of the police but should be a shared concern.

“Nagpasabot ani nga tanang crimes or tanan crime prevention also and maintenance of peace and order also and public safety issues, hindi lang issue sa isa ka lugar, it will be an issue of everybody ng naa sa Cebu City,” said Cañete through the City’s Public Information Office (PIO).

The cooperation of each barangay is highly encouraged as part of this initiative.

“Kung naay criminal halimbawa, naa tay dakpon midagan sa pikas area, we can immediately ask assistance dun sa mga barangay captains natin nga ipadakop sila didto,” Cañete added.

Barangay officials are tasked with conducting border controls when alerted, ensuring criminals are apprehended promptly.

Mayor Raymond Garcia stressed that the boundaries of a barangay should not limit its involvement in maintaining peace and order.

“Just because it is your jurisdiction, di magpasabot, ilabi na peace and order, di magpasabot nga og kinahanglan og tabang ang usa ka barangay kay tungod nga naay alarma ug naay dili maayong elemento nga nisud sa barangay, unya nilabang og lain, di na magpasabot di na ta magtinabangay, kay laing jurisdiction,” Garcia said.

To formalize this cooperation, a MOA signing was conducted recently with Mayor Raymond Garcia, Liga ng mga Barangay President and ex-officio Councilor Franklyn Ong, and Cebu City Police Chief Cañete leading the effort.

Other concerned government agencies also participated in the signing and expressed their support for the city’s goal of enhancing safety and security through proactive measures. These agencies include the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cebu City, Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Visayas Command.

This initiative is reportedly the first of its kind.

“I applaud the city director (Cañete) for this initiative. And then it’s good nga atong e-formalize og usa ka MOA signing,” Garcia added.

The timing of the MOA signing aligns with the City Government’s preparation for an expected influx of visitors during Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the Sinulog Festival.

Garcia underscored the importance of support from barangay captains, barangay officials, tanods, and force multipliers.

“I am imploring all of you to help out, especially in Sinulog, when we will be expecting more than three to four million visitors from all over the world. Just to show you, last year’s number of contingents, katorse ra intawon ka buok ang ni perform sa ritual showdown didto sa SRP,” said Garcia, noting that this year’s event will return to the Cebu City Sports Center. — (FREEMAN)