IN GUIHULNGAN Brgy defense system formed

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 28): IN GUIHULNGAN Brgy defense system formed

A Barangay Defense System was organized in Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, with its officials and tanods as members.

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11 th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations officer, said 47 barangay officials, tanods and farmers, who are residents of Tacpao, that used to be a stronghold of the New People's Army, took their oath as BDS members on April 25, after a three-day seminar, also attended by Mayor Jorge Joan Reyes and Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11IB commander, and the police.

Gomez said the BDS members pledged to work hand in hand with authorities to attain peace, security and development in the barangay.

He said the organization of BDS is not only for peace and order concerns, but also for environmental protection, crime prevention, and development.

The BDS seminar, the first to be held in Guihulngan, empowers barangay officials and residents to facilitate the implementation of government programs and services in their community.

Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11IB commander, said in a statement, that he is optimistic that peace and security concerns in Brgy. Tacpao will be resolved with the support and cooperation being extended by the local government units and other stakeholders.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/April/28/negor1.htm