MEDINA, Misamis Oriental — A municipal councilor here wants the town’s village watchmen to become more active in maintaining peace and order.
Councilor Esmael Naguib Jr., chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety, said it is the responsibility of the barangay tanods to help keep their communities safe.
He noted that they need better assistance, particularly with communication.
Naguib recently sponsored a resolution asking 2nd District Rep. Bambi Emano to provide communications equipment, such as handheld radios and protective body gear, to all village watchmen in the municipality.
According to Naguib, handheld radios would allow watchmen to communicate quickly with police during emergencies.
Police Capt. Teddy Macarayo, the local police chief, said that while Medina currently has no major crimes and a decrease in theft cases, Naguib’s initiative to reactivate patrols is a great help in preventing crime.
In a phone interview, Naguib said he also plans to find a way to raise funds for additional allowances for the watchmen, who he said are crucial to the town's safety.
Jovelyn G. Bañas, a village official in Mananum Daan, said the initiative would be a “big help” for the watchmen throughout the municipality, who she said only receive a monthly allowance of P500.
