This research examines public safety issues in Barangay Lallana, Trece Martires City, focusing on road safety and infrastructure concerns and the use of the Katarungan Pambarangay. It zeroes in on the significant problems that people face relating to public safety and how these can best be improved through law enforcement. This study responds to the call of the Philippine National Police to perform better in terms of community safety while designing long-term solutions to local problems.
The Major issues identified are barangay roads are in terrible condition, and the Katarungan Pambarangay system is underutilized. The condition of the streets significantly hampers mobility, economic activities, and access to services. Most roads are very well maintained. However, inadequate funding and bad weather render many with pressing road repair needs. Poor roads impede the ability of farmers to transport goods and delay access to health and other emergency services. The Katarungan Pambarangay is under utilized because it is seen as not a dispute resolver at the community level, mainly because few individuals know about it or can trust its effectiveness in addressing issues.
These problems play a significant role in the resolution of local police. Regarding road safety, law enforcement can complement barangay authorities and other government agencies’ efforts to lobby for more funds to be allocated to repairing roads. They can also help enforce traffic safety regulations to minimize accidents along the distressed roads. The keys proposed for long-term sustainability include blends of climate-resilient infrastructure, such as pavement reinforcements and drainage system.
The Katarungan Pambarangay system requires that law enforcers conduct outreach programs to let the residents understand the system’s benefits and adequate processes. Law enforcers promote transparency and fairness, thus making them neutral mediators in dispute cases, paving their way to trust in the system and for its utilization as an alternative to procedures in regular courts.
Implementing community policing is seen to bring about more safety in public places andf foster more cooperation between law enforcement and the public. It is found that community policing brings better trust in the public and facilitates active participation in safety programs, recording good communication and cooperation. Community policing engagement by law enforcement in issues such as road safety, handling dispute resolution, or any element of crime reduction will result in a better community’s overall well-being.