LA TRINDAD, Benguet – The municipal council approved an ordinance prescribing guidelines in the implementation of the Barangay Tanod System in the municipality, providing funds and for other purposes.
Ordinance No. 9, series of 2019 revised Ordinance No. 7, series of 2012, rofessionalized the Barangay Tanod System in the municipality.
The ordinance states it is the primary concern of the local government to maintain peace and order, hence, there is a need to strengthen community-based mechanisms and push for government initiatives for crime prevention and promotion of public safety.
Under the approved ordinance, the members of the Barangay Tanod System shall be under the administration and supervision of their respective barangay councils and that barangay tanods are required to have jeans, black long sleeves reflectorized, vest with marking and name, ball cap and rubber shoes as part of their uniforms, and identification cards.
Further, only duly appointed barangay tanods who completed the basic training shall be issued with barangay tanod identification cards and that barangay tanods shall assist the police by cordoning off the area of the crime scene; in case of citizen’s arrest, the persons must be brought to the nearest police station without delay and in all cases, the barangay tanods must protect themselves at all times.
The ordinance stipulates that in recognition of their services, all barangay tanods who were accredited pursuant to Ordinance No. 7, series of 2012, and who are actively and regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to the benefits and incentives, such as support monthly honorarium amounting to P700 for the first year, P1,000 for the second year, and 3rd and succeeding years – P1,500; training, education, and career enrichment programs; free legal services and PhilHealth sponsored benefits.
The ordinance adds that the Municipal Advisory Council to the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, Municipal Information Office, Municipal Peace and Order Council, Association of Barangay Councils and the Federation of Barangay Tanods of the municipality, shall conduct massive information, education campaign on the salient provisions of the measure in the municipality to all stakeholders.
The ordinance requires there shall be organized a federation of all barangay tanods in the municipality which shall be accredited as a civil society organization with the municipal council.
On the other hand, the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, with the assistance of the Municipal Advisory Council, shall lead in the monitoring and evaluation activities of all barangay tanods in the municipality and that the results shall be submitted to the Barangay Tanods Awards Screening Committee created under Ordinance No. 17, series of 2017, otherwise known as the Barangay Tanods Exemplary Award for information and guidance.
The ordinance discloses the funds necessary for the implementation of the pertinent provisions of the measure shall be appropriated under the Office of the Municipal Mayor in the annual budget of the municipality and that the Office of the Mayor may formulate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the efficient and effective implementation of the same.
By HENT
