Valley to strengthen law enforcement board
THE PEOPLE’S Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) operating as a disciplinary authority that receives, hears and resolves citizen’s complaints filed against policemen is being pushed in Benguet capital town.
La Trinidad Councilor Roderick Awingan, in an ordinance, seeks to strengthen the programs, projects and activities of PLEB in the municipality. However, citizens were still unaware of the existence and functions of PLEB and how the system in raising was complains against abusive police.
“The PLEB is operational, however it is better if there is an ordinance to at least give continuity and strengthen existing programs, projects and activities of the current PLEB. We want also to create an avenue where stronger partnership and a harmonious policecommunity relations must be develop in maintaining a peaceful and orderly community,” he added.
The proposed ordinance, introduced on Tuesday’s session, will also have the jurisdictions to hear and resolve citizen’s complaints cases filed against erring officers and members of the PNP and will assist the implementation of the police community relations and the community service oriented policing programs, projects and
activities of the municipality.
Strengthening of PLEB will institutionalize the programs, projects and activities involving the conduct of information and education campaign regarding the role, procedures and functions of PLEB, free legal consultation, capability building programs to the members of the PLEB, capability building programs among the stakeholders and the printing and publication of informative and educational materials.
Awingan added last year, there have been cases filed in PLEB against three police officers for administrative offenses however, the cases was dismissed.
“May mga instances na may kaso tayo, last year may tatlong kaso pero nadismissed na rin. Ang mga kaso nila ay less grave offence, minor offense just like administrative offense sa mga kapulisan natin, iyon yung parang automatic mechanism ng PLEB kung paano mo mareresolve agad ang kaso,” Awingan said.
Tentative schedule for the public consultation on the proposed ordinance will be on August 29, 2018 at the Lednicky hall of the municipal building.
PLEB have a proposed to include a councilor, a barangay captain chosen by the Liga ng Mga Barangay and three other members selected by the Municipal Peace and Order Council.