Advisers

Flordaliza M. Gabbaoan, RCrim, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Curfew ordinances are implemented to maintain peace and order, reduce crime, and protect minors, with Barangay Peacekeeping and Security Officers (BPSOs) serving as primary enforcers at the community level. In Novaliches Proper, Quezon City, their role in patrolling, monitoring, and coordinating with barangay officials is vital to ensure compliance and public safety. However, factors such as limited manpower, insufficient training, inadequate logistical support, and inconsistent procedures may affect their performance. This study assesses the effectiveness of BPSOs in enforcing the curfew ordinance as a basis for policy enhancement and improved community security. This study used a descriptive quantitative research design to assess the effectiveness of Barangay Peacekeeping and Security Officers (BPSOs) in enforcing the curfew ordinance in Novaliches Proper, Quezon City. Eighty respondents, composed of residents, BPSOs, and barangay officials, were selected using purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a validated self-made survey questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test. The results showed that the effectiveness of Barangay Peacekeeping and Security Officers in enforcing the curfew ordinance was generally rated as highly effective in terms of personnel and training, logistical requirements, and procedure and coordination. Despite this, significant differences existed in the assessments of residents, BPSOs, and barangay officials due to their varying roles and experiences. The most common problems identified were lack of manpower, inadequate street lighting, limited logistical support, communication gaps, and overlapping duties, which affected the consistency and efficiency of curfew enforcement in the barangay. The findings indicate that while Barangay Peacekeeping and Security Officers are generally perceived as highly effective in enforcing the curfew ordinance, operational challenges continue to affect consistency and efficiency. Differences in assessments among residents, BPSOs, and barangay officials suggest varying perspectives shaped by roles and experiences. Issues such as manpower shortages, inadequate lighting, limited logistics, and communication gaps highlight the need for strengthened coordination, resource allocation, and policy enhancement to sustain effective curfew enforcement and community safety.

Keywords

personnel and training, logistical requirements, procedure and coordination