Ilocos norte: The local government in this Ilocos Norte town is set to form a watch group composed of representatives from various sectors to be trained as force multipliers to combat illegal acts in the municipality. Interviewed on Monday, Mayor Edmar Vincent Bonoan said the group, to be called Bantay Bayan (neighborhood watch), will complement the continuing efforts of the police to ensure peace and order in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Bonoan mentioned that funds are being allocated for this initiative in the 2026 budget. The Bantay Bayan personnel will be deployed with proper training to serve as traffic enforcers, rescuers, and environmental law officers, among other roles. The group will also be responsible for multi-purpose functions, such as inspecting vendors without business or building permits.

Bonoan emphasized that the establishment of Bantay Bayan will be a priority program under his administration, alongside the ongoing installation of more CCTVs around the municipality. This initiative follows the fatal shooting of village councilor Joshua Madamba, 27, and his partner, Eloisa Jane Bonilla, 30, on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, a police corporal assigned to the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, was arrested after the incident.