CEBU, Philippines - Following the directive from the Philippine National Police, the Talisay City Intelligence Bureau (TCIB) will soon be named Barangay Peace Action Team (BPAT).
With the new name, new policies will be implemented to this multiplier force, said Supt. Eddie Recamara, officer-in-charge of the Talisay City Police Station.
Recamara said the new age limit for the new BPAT members is 40 years old and below. Younger individuals are more alert, which is important in responding to crimes, he said.
He also said each of the city's 22 barangays will send seven candidates to vie for slots in the BPAT.
TCIB was previously called Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN).
Recamara also said this multiplier force is also open not only to barangay tanods but also to any individual with no criminal records.
Candidates will still undergo the same training which includes disaster preparedness and marksmanship.
The acting police chief however clarified that BPAT members are not allowed to carry firearms.
Presently, the city has 40 active members who assist the police in patrolling different areas and at checkpoints.
Recamara said he plans to increase it to at least 100 to help them in the simultaneous checkpoints in major streets which is soon to be implemented on a regular basis.
Recamara said he hopes the city government would give more benefits to BPAT members to make them stay in the service longer.
Recently, the city started granting free gasoline to motorcycles used during operations by BPAT members. - THE FREEMAN