THE ROLE OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE PERSONNEL TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY DURING CIVIL DISTURBANCE MANAGEMENT IN PAYATAS A QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Civil disturbance management arises from acts of civil disobedience. Such disturbances often occur when participants in mass civil disobedience become antagonistic toward authorities, prompting officials to regain control from unruly crowds. Civil disturbances can stem from various causes, including political grievances, urban economic conflicts, community unrest, terrorist acts, or foreign influences. These disturbances may be organized by disaffected groups aiming to embarrass the government. Their goal is to provoke an overreaction by authorities, believing that such a response will generate public sympathy for their cause. Often, their actions are overt and deliberate. The researchers used a survey questionnaire as the primary data-gathering instrument, which was completed by three groups of respondents: ten (10) PNP personnel, twenty (20) residents, and twenty (20) barangay personnel, all from Barangay Payatas A, Quezon City. This study employed a descriptive research design, combining surveys, interviews, and document analysis to assess the relationship between responders’ awareness and the public safety and security of the community during civil disturbances in Barangay Payatas A, Quezon City. The results of the study reveal that most respondents are between 26 and 33 years old, with the majority being female. Regarding preparedness in Barangay Payatas A, Quezon City, during the pre-disaster stage, the highest-rated items were: receiving formal training or education on civil disturbance management; demonstrating mental resilience and the ability to handle stressful situations by adapting decision-making under pressure; consistently serving the public and protecting life and property; police officers showing tolerance and calmness in difficult situations; and investing in civil disturbance equipment, regularly assessing its condition, and ensuring timely upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and safety. The respondents identified the greatest weakness in civil disturbance management as the ability to show tolerance and remain calm in difficult situations. To address this, they proposed investing in civil disturbance equipment, regularly assessing its condition, and ensuring timely upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and safety.