Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 13) — The Department of Interior and Local Government reiterates that village watchmen and other police auxiliary units are not allowed to carry firearms while on duty.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año issued the statement after barangay tanod Cesar Panlaqui was arrested for fatally shooting Eduardo Geñoga, a 59-year-old scavenger reportedly suffering from a mental illness, for violating the curfew amid the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the capital region. The Manila police already filed murder charges against Panlaqui.
“While we acknowledge that barangay tanods play a complementary role to local authorities in the maintenance of the peace of order in their respective communities, we firmly reiterate that they are not authorized to carry any firearm in the performance of their duties even if they own these firearms,” he said.
The DILG chief also ordered local chief executives to ensure that all village watchmen within their jurisdiction will not to carry any firearm while on duty, warning that violators will face charges.
Año noted that “The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” has revoked the authority of police auxiliary units, including barangay tanods, from carrying firearms previously permitted under Circular 2008-013 of the National Police Commission.
The law also states that registered firearms of local government units should only be issued to a government employee with a permanent position.
Under DILG Memorandum Circular no. 2003-42, village watchmen are only allowed to use nightstick with teargas with belt and holster, handcuff with holster, whistle, flashlight, raincoat, rain boots, small notebooks and ballpens, and first-aid kits.
DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya also reminded authorities to not be reckless and hotheaded when enforcing quarantine protocols.
