Ong supports move arming brgy tanods

The president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City supports the proposal to arm barangay tanods to help maintain the peace and order amid the series of killings in the city.

ABC President Franklyn Ong said the proposal of Mayor Tomas Osmeña will help secure the city from the criminals. However, he said proper training and strict qualification should be applied.

“We’ll look into the possibility nga ma-train sa nato ang mga tanod, pero di na siya ingon nga ma dali dali. We have to go through qualifications, we have to review,’’ Ong said.

Under the Local Government Code, only the village chiefs are allowed to possess and carry firearms in the performance of their peace and order functions within their respective jurisdiction.

Ong said that it is one of his programs to train all the barangay captains in firearm handling. He is also planning to request Camp Crame for a caravan to allow all barangay captains to process their license to own and possess firearms.

“This is the first requirement, unahon sa nato na ang mga punong barangay, kay dili baya sila tanan nga nay firearms, kinahanglan i-train usa na sila unsaon pag-handle, safety sa firearms, isunod sad na nato ang mga tanod pero kinahanglan studyhan sa na siya,’’ Ong said.

According to Ong, another consideration is the budget because the city cannot afford to give firearms to all tanods in 80 barangays. He said it is likely that not all tanods will be issued firearms if the proposal will be implemented. He suggested that only a team leader of the tanods will be given firearm.

“Naay usa ka leader nga mucarry sa firearms during sa ilang duty, importante gyod ang training dili ta magpataka og issue og firearms sa mga tanod kay tinuod gyod na nga magkaproblema na kung dili na mada og tarong, ’’ Ong said.

NEW UNIFORMS

Meanwhile, Ong said he will approve the proposal of Cebu City Office for SubstanceAbuse Prevention (COSAP) executive director Gary Lao to provide new uniform for all barangay tanods in Cebu City.

He explained that it is necessary because some barangays may have a new administration and a new set of tanods.

“It’s a very good proposal, Gary Lao discussed it with me, at least kung mahimo nga atong Cebu City Tanod naay usa ka uniform naay usa ka design nga makita ug mahibaw-an asa siya nga barangay,’’ he said.

However, it is still subject to the approval of the mayor.