Cagayan de oro: The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) on Tuesday acknowledged the vital role of barangay local governments as effective partners in crime prevention. During a symposium, Corporal Primitivo Dagatan Jr., COCPO's community relations focal person, emphasized the significance of community involvement in addressing crime incidents.

According to Philippines News Agency, the barangays, through the tanod (village watchpersons), serve as essential force multipliers. They act as the first line of defense, particularly in handling minor disputes, thereby supporting the police in maintaining peace and order.

The COCPO is actively participating in the 31st National Crime Prevention Week, an event held annually during the first week of September, in collaboration with the National Police Commission-Northern Mindanao (Napolcom-10). Robert Lou Elango, Napolcom-10 project advisory board chair, highlighted that safeguarding oneself and one's property is a shared responsibility between the government and citizens, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in crime prevention efforts.