No word yet from COA on perks for brgy intel

The legality of the planned financial benefits for members of the barangay intelligence networks of the city's mountain barangay could not be ascertained yet. This after officials of the Commission on Audit said they could not give their opinion on the matter, which was raised following the proposal of Association Barangay Councils president Eugenio Faelnar. "Dili lang mi mohatag og opinion anang isyoha kay aron dili ma-preempt ang among trabaho unya," said Helen Hilayo, COA director for local government in Central Visayas, adding that their job is only to conduct post-audit of government transactions. Mayor Tomas Osmeña was earlier amenable to the Faelnar proposal, which has been aimed at giving recognition to the work of the barangay intelligence networks members, and encourage them further to work harder. Faelnar said these people have been of big help to the police authorities in providing important information about illegal activities in their respective places but they do not receive a single centavo for their efforts. Policemen could no longer reach the remote areas of these mountain barangays and they depend substantially on the report from BIN members. To encourage BIN to work to their task, police would provide them with the so-called memorandum receipt and patrol orders that will allow them to carry firearms while performing their duties. Cebu City has 900 policemen only and, based on the ideal population to policeman ratio, it is in dire need of manpower to have a more effective peace and order implementation. BIN members could fill up the lack, said Faelnar. Some City Hall officials said there is no problem on granting financial benefits to BIN members because they help the police force in combating criminal activities in their places. "Makagamit man ang mayor sa pundo gikan sa iyang intelligence funds nga dili basta-basta nga ma-audit sa mga local state auditors," a City Hall official said. The liquidation report of intelligence funds is submitted directly to the COA chairman and only select personnel review the document.