When Police Major General Edgar Alan Okubo assumed the top post of the Metro Manila police in February last year, his first marching order is to intensify the presence of the police in each of the barangay in the National Capital Region (NCR).
He had seen the effects of the police visibility—and its absence— as a young commander of the elite forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the jungles of northern Luzon, to the communist rebel-infested areas in the Visayas, and down to the conflict-torn areas in Mindanao.
Okubo simply does not want the oft-repeated policy mistakes that police presence is only felt in the barangays, especially in far-flung areas, when there is already a brewing trouble, or a criminal activity has already erupted.
And that is why he would always implement the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) program every time he is given the opportunity to command a major police post.
Now head of the PNP’s Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), Okubo’s R-PSB has been proven effective in the recalibrated campaign against illegal drugs and in reducing the crime volume in every community—as well as in winning the trust and confidence of the people in the community especially in the aggressive campaign to finally end the communist insurgency in the country.
In the recent town hall meeting in Taguig City, Okubo himself presented the data on how the implementation of the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay led to the reduction of crime rate in various barangays in Metro Manila, particularly in Barangay Putatan in Muntinlupa where a 67 percent reduction of crime rate was recorded.
What is R-PSB?
The Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay focuses more on community-oriented policing through PNP community engagements that foster a proactive relationship between law enforcers and local residents.
The goal is to build trust and immediately address community problems through various programs and projects that would create a strong bond in order for the local residents themselves to become partners in maintaining peace and order in their respective areas.
Since his stint as the Metro Manila top cop, Okubo has initiated training programs for policemen in order for community immersions in order for them to become the PNP’s liaison between the government and the people in the community.
“The Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay training program embodies the PNP’s commitment to community-oriented policing. Our dedicated R-PSB personnel will be the bridge between law enforcement and our barangays, working tirelessly to ensure safety and security for all,” said Okubo
“With the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay training program reaching its conclusion, the PNP once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to enhancing community security and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The PNP remains steadfast in its pursuit of a safer and more harmonious society,” he added.
Special mention
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. said the whole-of-government approach is needed to attain the objective of maintaining peace and order, which is he said, is important in economic development.
In the town hall meeting in Taguig, Abalos cited the importance of the strong partnership between national and local government agencies, particularly at the level of local government units.
In his message, Abalos discussed the root-based approach of government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign and the significant roles of all agencies that make up the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) Program.
He also highlighted the two important development in its campaign, the first was the aftercare of drug offenders once they are released from prison that is to be enrolled to the government’s emergency employment program and livelihood programs.
This, he said, would address the 1/3 of the total number of prisoners that becomes repeat offenders.
“Secondly, the implementation of Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay of the PNP that is effective in community-based policing, strengthening barangay based institutions and capacitating local special organizations,” said Abalos.