Measure seeks to standardize specifications for uniform of barangay tanods

CEBU, Philippines - To avoid confusion, Cebu City Councilor Arsenio Pacaña has sponsored a resolution urging the Department of the Interior and Local Government to come up with “standard specifications for the uniform of barangay tanods” in order to distinguish them from policemen.

Pacaña said that there is a need for the government to set standard specifications for tanod uniform, not only in Cebu, but nationwide for purposes of easy identification and coordination.

He said he has always observed that tanods usually join the police in conducting checkpoint operations clad with t-shirts marked with “barangay police” but that while “barangay” is in small letters, “police” is printed in bold.

The DILG in its Memorandum Circular 2003-42 has prescribed that “maong” pants, white T-shirt, vest with markings and namecloth, ball cap, and rubber shoes serve as uniform for tanods.

Also, a number of tanods are not complying with the requirement on the wearing of their identification cards provided by the barangay as part of their uniform.

The tanods can be issued patches attached to their jacket, if prescribed, and that their awards and decorations can be part of the uniform.

The emblazoned “police” instead of “tanod” reportedly created confusion to the public.

Authorities have not prohibited the tanods from using the word “police” because these auxiliary forces have also served as frontliners in crime prevention. – Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)