Role of tanods recognized
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has recognized the major role of 2,000 barangay tanods or village watchmen in keeping the city peaceful.
He said tanods from the 180 barangays act as force multipliers at their respective areas of responsibility.
“They have been augmenting the city policemen in conducting foot patrol and visibility operations, and implementing the curfew hours for minors,” the mayor said.
To make them more effective, Mabilog said he will order the procurement of uniform for tanods so that they will be identified while conducting patrol operations.
There is also a need to secure equipment such as baton sticks, flashlights, handset radios, handcuffs and tear gas that they can use during citizen’s arrest and other similar purposes.
Aside from this, Mabilog cited the immediate need of motorcycle vehicles that the tanods can use in cases of emergency response and rescue.
If there is available fund, he will direct the purchase 200 units of motorcycles that will be distributed to all barangays and six city police stations under the Iloilo City Police Office, he said.*
