TACLOBAN CITY — The Rotary Club of Tacloban is strengthening its peacebuilding and conflict-prevention efforts through closer dialogue with law enforcement agencies, with improved community safety and access to police services identified as key foundations for lasting peace.
The civic organization discussed these efforts with National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region VIII Director Atty. Risty Sibay during its regular meeting on September 3, where both sides explored ways to promote safer and more resilient communities in Tacloban City.
The dialogue also focused on the city’s need for additional police precincts, particularly in communities that remain far from existing police stations.
Sibay said NAPOLCOM can help secure funding for the construction of additional police facilities, but the lack of available lots remains a major challenge.
He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and NAPOLCOM, in coordination with the Tacloban City government, are already discussing plans to establish three additional police stations in the city.
The proposed stations are intended to bring police services closer to residents, improve response to criminal complaints and encourage the reporting of incidents.
Sibay said stronger police presence in communities could help build public confidence in law enforcement while allowing authorities to respond more promptly to crimes, including cybercrimes and other serious offenses.
He noted that some incidents may remain unreported because residents are discouraged by the distance they have to travel to reach existing police stations.
For the Rotary Club of Tacloban, the issue goes beyond law enforcement and is directly linked to its peacebuilding mission.
Rotary Club President Atty. Neil Sia said community safety, access to justice and trust in law enforcement are important components of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
“His message resonates strongly with Rotary International’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention area of focus,” Sia said, referring to Sibay’s presentation.
Sia said establishing police precincts within communities would make protection and justice more accessible, particularly as residents face increasingly complex threats such as cybercrimes.
He also expressed support for the ongoing coordination among NAPOLCOM, the PNP and the city government to establish the three additional police stations.
However, Sia acknowledged that the lack of available lots remains a significant hurdle even when funding for police facilities can be secured.
He said the Rotary Club of Tacloban is prepared to explore ways it can help address the challenge and contribute to the realization of the proposed police facilities.
The meeting formed part of Rotary’s continuing effort to engage government agencies and other community stakeholders in addressing issues that affect peace, security and the welfare of residents.
Sia said the dialogue with NAPOLCOM reflects the shared objective of fostering peace, preventing conflict and strengthening community resilience.
The Rotary Club’s peacebuilding efforts also emphasize collaboration with public institutions, recognizing that creating peaceful communities requires not only law enforcement but also cooperation, trust and active participation from civic organizations and residents.
By maintaining dialogue with NAPOLCOM and other stakeholders, the Rotary Club of Tacloban seeks to support initiatives that improve public safety while strengthening the relationship between communities and government institutions.
