DILG to revitalize peace and order councils

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno is revitalizing the peace and order councils (POCs) by familiarizing the public with the People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEBs), where they can lodge complaints against abusive or erring policemen.

Puno said the move is in pursuit of the core DILG policy to forge "community partnerships" in localities nationwide to beef up its crime-prevention programs.

"We will conduct an information drive on PLEBs alongside with the revitalization of our peace and order councils," he said.

"Many may have forgotten that our POCs oversee the peace and order programs in the regions and many also don’t know that they can complain against abusive cops through our PLEBs."

Puno said his recent directive covering the release of P1 million to each of the 17 regional POCs is part of the DILG campaign to boost their capabilities and strengthen partnerships with the community in fighting crime.

An information campaign about PLEBs is necessary because many citizens are un-aware that they can file complaints before these boards against erring police officers.

Under the PNP law, the Sangguniang Bayan in every city or municipality is required to set up PLEBs for every 500 city or municipal police personnel and for each of the legislative districts in a city.

A PLEB acts as the central receiving body for grievances lodged against policemen and entertains or refers any complaint to the proper disciplinary authorities within three days upon receiving it.

Under the law, complaints filed against erring policemen before the PLEBs, the chiefs of police and mayors of towns and cities can be appealed before the National Police Commission.

Last month, in his first meeting with members of the National Peace and Order Council and the 17 regional POCs, Puno underscored the key role they play in terms of strengthening partnerships with the private sector to make "the certainty of punishment" through the arrest of criminals.

During the meeting, Puno asked the regional POCs to outline their action programs covering their respective areas of jurisdiction, which would be consolidated into a comprehensive master plan that would then be presented to President Arroyo.

Peace and order councils, which are under the Napolcom’s guidance, were created through Executive Order 309 to implement and execute national policies, plans and programs on peace and order.

Among the POC’s goals is to empower local communities toward greater participation and involvement in the formulation and implementation of peace and order programs.