Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario has filed a bill seeking at least one barangay police stationed in all barangays in the country.

He has filed House Bill No. 7348 seeking to institutionalize the Revitalized Barangay Police (RBP) program of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which was launched by PNP Regional Office (PRO) 11, pursuant to Executive Order No. 70.
Signed on Dec. 4, 2018, the EO No. 70 institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and creates a National Task Force to end local community armed conflict.
Citing the report made by PRO 11, Almario said the program has significant impact in barangay governance, particularly in strengthening barangay-based institutions and service delivery.
“The increase and improvement of police visibility throughout the archipelago will contribute significantly in ending local armed conflict,” he said.
He noted that the National Security Policy 2017 to 2022 seeks an end of all armed threats in the country and recognizes that internal socio-political stability rests upon healing the rifts that divide the nation by promoting participatory governance, synergy of government development efforts, and enhancing the participation and responsibilities of local government units (LGUs).
“The sustained gains of the program and the pursuit of an effective police-community partnership in support to sustained barangay-based anti-crime strategy will definitely help in attaining peace and unity in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities,” Almario said.
HB No. 7348 or the proposed “Revitalized Barangay Police Act” mandates the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to supervise the faithfuil execution and implementation of the RBP.
The bill provides that all barangay shall have at least one barangay police designated in their respective locality.
The barangay police, under Almario’s measure shall have the following qualifications:
-- They shall be members of the PNP.
-- They must be native to the barangay.
-- They must be fluent in the dialect of the locality.
HB 7348 provides that the DILG Secretary shall include in the Department’s program the operation of the RBP. The funding for the implementation of the proposed Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The DILG, in coordination with other relevant agencies, and in consultation with the concerned LGUs and stakeholders, shall prepare and issue the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act within 90 days after its approval.