Santa cruz: The provincial government is empowering the Laguna Youth Patrollers (LYP) to serve as frontline reporters in safeguarding their communities by using smartphones and other devices to submit real-time information to authorities. Governor Sol Aragones made the announcement during the revalidation and ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the province's Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security at the capitol in Santa Cruz on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the MOU reaffirms the stakeholders' commitment to sustained peace, security, and public order through stronger collaboration and coordinated initiatives. 'Whatever is written on this paper, we will act on and make real in our daily lives,' Aragones said in Filipino during a speech following the MOU signing.
Central to the effort is the LYP, a network of trained youth volunteers who document incidents in their villages and send reports, photos, and videos to authorities for prompt response. The LYP program, with 600 pioneers and reaching 3,000 in two weeks, trains members in responsible reporting, digital evidence preservation, and coordination with barangay officials and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
'We want the youth to be involved. Their timely reports from their areas help authorities act faster and prevent harm,' Aragones said. The use of mobile devices broadens the LYP's monitoring of natural disasters, accidents, tourism-related safety issues, and criminal activity. Instant reporting improves situational awareness and helps government units deploy resources more efficiently.
Aragones cited one instance when an LYP member reported an online post that seeks sexual services from minors. The alert prompted the PNP cybercrime unit to form a task group, locate the involved minor, and have the page taken down. 'By equipping young people with simple digital skills and clear reporting channels, Laguna aims to make community safety a shared responsibility and accelerate response times across the province,' the governor said.
