MANILA – Barangay tanods (village watchmen) and other members of police auxiliary units (PAU) are not allowed to carry firearms while on duty under the country’s laws, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.
The be issued to government officials or employees with permanent plantilla positions.
“Since the barangay tanod position is not part of the plantilla, barangay tanods are, therefore, not authorized to bear firearms while on duty,” Año said.
Año then ordered local chief executives to direct all barangay tanods within their respective jurisdiction not to carry any firearm while in the performance of their duties, warning that charges will be filed if it’s not implemented properly.
Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2003-42, barangay tanods may only use the following while on duty: nightstick with teargas with belt and holster, handcuff with holster, whistle, flashlight, raincoat, rain boots, small notebooks, ballpens and first-aid kits.
Meanwhile, DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Philippine National Police is already investigating the incident and is set to file murder charges against the said tanod.(©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)
