PNP to Help Train Barangay Tanods for School Security Duties

 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed its police chiefs and unit commanders to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) on possible training programs for barangay tanods who will help improve security in schools and other learning facilities.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the training aims to prepare barangay tanods for their expanded security duties following an agreement between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Nartatez welcomed the agreement signed by Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla and Education Secretary Sonny Angara. He said the partnership would strengthen security in and around schools, in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“School safety begins at the barangay level. We in the PNP would like to ensure that our barangay tanods are ready to perform their tasks by providing them with proper training in coordination with the local government units,” Nartatez said.

The proposed PNP training would cover patrol procedures and other security-related duties. It would also include relevant laws to help tanods understand the limits of their authority and avoid legal problems while carrying out their responsibilities.

Under the DILG-DepEd agreement, barangay tanods may be assigned to public and private schools, other educational institutions, and DepEd-supervised Community Learning Centers to support existing security personnel.

Schools may also seek assistance from their LGUs during security incidents. These arrangements aim to protect people from immediate danger, secure affected areas, and ensure that incidents are reported to school officials or law enforcement authorities.

The agreement also allows barangay tanods to conduct authorized inspections of bags, personal belongings, and vehicles at designated school entrances. If full-body electronic scanners are unavailable, bag checks and entry inspections must follow authorized non-contact procedures, the PNP said.

Nartatez stressed that involving barangay tanods in school security would help police monitor school surroundings and address potential threats before they become more serious.

Their presence could also help identify suspicious activities and relay important information to authorities, allowing police and other emergency responders to act quickly.

“Barangay tanods will act as community force multipliers to ensure that no threat will disrupt the security situation around our schools. They will boost our patrols within school perimeters and nearby areas, as well as enhance coordination among officials, especially when threats arise,” Nartatez said. (Story source: Manila Bulletin. Photo: PNP)