Knowledge and Implementation of the Barangay Information Network (BIN) Program as a Community Policing Mechanism in Abra

Abstract

In the absence of proper collection, tracking, and implementation of local intelligence, community policing and the eventual security of citizens can hardly succeed. The other important program that connects the Philippine National Police (PNP) with community informants in the Philippines is the Barangay Information Network (BIN) program, which assists the police in promptly accessing crime prevention and reporting levels. This study assessed the level of knowledge among PNP personnel and BIN informants in the Province of Abra and assessed the realization of the BIN programs. The research design used was a descriptive-correlational design to investigate the level of knowledge among Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and Barangay Information Network (BIN) informants, and to establish the level of BIN program implementation in the Province of Abra. The respondents included PNP employees from the Abra provincial intelligence unit, municipal police stations, and BIN informants from different barangays. The data collection was conducted using a validated researcher-designed questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean scores, and bivariate correlation analysis. The result indicated that the degree of knowledge and programmed action was rated as Very High both by the PNP staff members and the informants of the BIN. The positive relationship between informants' knowledge and the level of program implementation was also strong across all areas, with meaningful results in overall knowledge and the reporting system. Although the overall results were encouraging, indicators such as insufficient network connections and insufficient training in database systems and safe reporting practices were the most frequent issues that influenced the program's effectiveness. Depending on the results, the researcher suggests more training for PNP personnel and BIN informants, and paying greater attention to information security, crime production, and the efficient use of intelligence systems. Feedback mechanisms and orientation programs should be enhanced to instill trust and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of reports. Continuous capacity-building, technical support, and active community engagement are also necessary to improve the long-term sustainability and impact of the BIN program. This study provides empirical, province-level evidence on how informant knowledge relates to the implementation of community-based intelligence programs, contributing to the literature on community policing and intelligence-led policing in rural Philippine contexts.