Barangay network tapped in anti-crime drive

The Northern Police District (NPD) has enhanced its barangay intelligence network to contain criminal activities, particularly the threat of terrorist groups in the metropolis.

"Community participation is the most potent measure in the fight against any form of criminality," Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr., NPD-District Police Intelligence Unit (DPIU) chief, told The STAR.

Ramos revealed that NPD director Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. also ordered the four police chiefs in Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area to boost their intelligence system following the arrest of a suspected member of a terror group by operatives of the Central Police District recently.

Ramos explained that barangay leaders could effectively boost police intelligence gathering because they are familiar with the faces of their constituents in their respective localities.

"These people know better who are transient or regular individuals in their barangays," Ramos pointed out.

In Caloocan City, intelligence chief Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo said that at least 28 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) in the city were tapped to help in its anti-crime drive.

A project dubbed "Toda at Pulisiya Laban sa Terorista" was launched on Saturday at the Caloocan City police station under the supervision of police chief Senior Superintendent Benjardi Mantele.

Borromeo said the city’s 5,000 tricycle drivers would serve as their eyes and ears in the streets.

"They could improve our anti-crime drive because they stay on the streets for almost 24 hours," Borromeo said.

The drivers, Borromeo added, would be given training on information gathering, spotting a criminal and monitoring street crimes.