La trinidad: The local government of La Trinidad in Benguet has relaunched a program aimed at strengthening the partnership between the police and the community, facilitating faster conflict resolution without reliance on social media platforms.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Roderick Awingan emphasized in a phone interview that many complaints and concerns are being aired through Facebook, which is not the ideal platform as it hinders immediate action. By reviving this program, the community is encouraged to directly engage with authorities and remain vigilant within their neighborhoods.

Originally introduced in 2018 via an ordinance, the “Neighborhood Watch Program” fosters collaboration between the community and the police, allowing the public to coordinate with barangay officials and law enforcement to combat crime and maintain peace and order. Mayor Awingan, who initially authored the ordinance during his tenure as a councilor, noted that resident involvement in crime prevention is crucial for informing law enforcement of potential criminal incidents.

Awingan also highlighted that disputes between neighbors can be resolved more effectively when brought to the attention of proper authorities rather than being aired on social media, which can sometimes exacerbate the issues. Additionally, the program includes training sessions for residents to enhance their understanding of various laws and ordinances.