ABSTRACT
This descriptive study examined public perceptions of the Libacao Municipal Police Station and its role in supporting Libacao’s goal of becoming a leading ecotourism destination in Aklan. It used surveys and interviews to identify key programs, activities, and best practices that enable effective public service. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to gather data from 100 respondents purposely selected to assess public perception. Additionally, 10 key informants were purposively chosen for in-depth interviews using a Key Informant Interview (KII) Guide to gather qualitative insights and support further research and hypothesis development. Findings showed that the community highly regard the Libacao Municipal Police Station for its professionalism, reliability, and public service, earning strong ratings in legitimacy, justice delivery, and service quality. Through community-based programs and crime prevention efforts, it supports public safety and Libacao’s Eco-Agri-Tourism goals, while its strategic actions address resource and geographic challenges to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Keywords: Public Perceptions, Enabling Mechanisms and Strategic Plan of Action
INTRODUCTION
Under Republic Act No. 8551, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is mandated to function as a service-driven, community-based organization dedicated to upholding public safety and social order. This legislation structures the agency to prioritize transparency and ethical conduct in decision-making, while simultaneously striving for high levels of operational competence among its personnel and various divisions (Deri et al., 2020).
During its early stages, the PNP faced significant growing pains; by the start of the 2000s, public opinion polls consistently identified the force as one of the most graft-ridden institutions in the Philippines. This reputational crisis sparked a national priority to investigate the root causes of these institutional failures, leading to comprehensive studies designed to implement sustainable reforms (Patrol Plan 2030, n.d.).
Extensive academic literature indicates that when law enforcement interacts with the public with fairness and respect, citizens are more likely to perceive the police as a legitimate authority and adhere to legal protocols (Bradford et al., 2009; Kane, 2005; Kochel et al., 2011; Tyler, 1990, 2003; Tyler and Huo, 2002). Ultimately, global research consistently demonstrates that establishing police legitimacy is key to encouraging law-abiding behavior within a community, even in the absence of direct supervision (Papachristos et al., 2009).
The Municipality of Libacao is a third (3rd) class municipality in the province of Aklan, though it is a “hot spot” for Communist Party New People Army National (CNN) in the province of Aklan, the municipality is thriving to develop and sustain its economy for its progress and better life of the populace. The municipality consists of twenty-four (24) barangays with 28, 525 total populations according to Census 2024.The topographic features are mostly upland areas which is why the Local Government of Libacao is envisioning the Municipality as the next Eco-Tourism destination of Aklan.
The Libacao Municipal Police Station with thirty-one (31) members assigned, twenty-seven (27) are uniformed personnel and four (4) non-uniformed personnel render the protective service of the Municipality of Libacao. The local police department is responsible for sustaining daily security and public order across the municipality's twenty-four (24) barangays.
As the Local Government is currently aiming for the next Eco-Tourism of Aklan, Local tourist and the localities are already exploring the tourist destinations as the peace and order demands attention to secure the safety and security of the communities and tourist alike. The community response with police performance on securing the safety and security of the community and whether it satisfies the needs of the public is vital.
In Consideration of the fact that fifty-four percent of the barangays or thirteen (13) out of twenty-four (24) of Libacao are Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), the researcher pursued the present study to generate evidence-based data that could be used in the evaluation of the perception of the community and the effectiveness of enabling mechanisms of the Libacao PNP.
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