Volunteers receive paralegal work training

By ELDIE AGUIRRE
of GSD-Digos Bureau

DIGOS City––“Enhancing mental knowledge and physical capabilities of those who are in charge of the peace and order situation in the villages is the best thing that a local government unit could provide to our constituents especially in remote places where police presence is rare.”
Digos Mayor Joseph Peñas said this during the graduation of 260 civilian volunteers organization (CVOs) members in Barangay Aplaya on Tuesday.
“We recognize your sacrifice in joining this training. You leave your families and your work just to be here. I hope this could supplement what you’ve learned in the past,” said Peñas.
He urged them to avoid frustrations in the future saying their constituents are expecting well-trained and behaved village peacekeepers.
“You have to be role models to your fellowmen, and impose discipline among yourselves so that what you’ve learned today will not turn into waste,” Peñas said.
Edna Ruiz, Digos City Local Government Operations Officer, said CVOs from 24 out of 26 barangays of the city joined the two-day training program on paralegal procedures and coaching of operation “Listo” in line with the DILG’s goal of providing them with the necessary skills and wisdom to exercise their mandate as village peacekeepers.
Vice Mayor Reynaldo Hermosisima said the just-concluded training was very vital for every CVO member considering the shortage of policemen.
“Knowing how to compose an affidavit-complaint, enter a report to a logbook or blotter is very important for every CVO member so that the police will no longer have a hard time,” Hermosisima, a lawyer, said.
“You are the unsung heroes in the villages. We definitely recognize that, but it is just unfortunate that due to financial constraints of every local government unit, you are just receiving meager allowances not even enough to feed your families,” the vice mayor said.
Hermosisima also assured the village police he would convince the local chief executive to provide a lawyer that would represent them in court in case they are charged in line with his duties.
Supt. Querubin Manalang, Digos City police chief, DILG training staff, the local fire bureau (BFP), the mayor’s office and the legislative department joined hands in the training exercise.
Liga ng mga Barangay president Jaime Mantilla along with some village chairmen graced the occasion to show moral support to the CVOs.