CH giving assistance to slain tanod's family

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday assured that the Cebu City government is helping the family of the slain barangay tanod who was shot and killed by robbers in Barangay Basak-Pardo two weeks ago.

Osmeña said he is willing to offer the widow of tanod Danilo Cabaluna to work at the City Hall, stressing that his family is in dire need of assistance.

But some City Hall officials said giving Cabaluna’s widow a job at City Hall would be difficult because she is already 53 years old. Osmeña, however, said City Hall is willing to give whatever assistance to the tanod’s widow.

The mayor explained that his move is aimed at encouraging other tanods to work hard to maintenance peace and order in their barangays.

“Kon wala pa ang atong mga tanod, patay g’yod ta kay kuwang g’yod ang atong mga polis nga makabantay pagpatunhay sa peace and order,” Osmeña said.

He explained that during the time of his father, then Mayor Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr., in 1965 the city police already had 1,000 members, but 45 years later it only has 900 policemen.

There are 1,600 tanods in the city’s 80 barangays. Under the law, every barangay should have at least 20 tanods to maintain peace and order.Osmeña had ordered that each tanod in the city will have P2,000 additional allowance on top of their monthly honorarium.

While chasing the robbers, Cabaluna was shot and seriously injured by one of the armed men at the intersection of Natalio Bacalso Avenue and Highway Tagonol.

Cabaluna, 56, died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Cebu City Medical Center after two weeks in coma, leaving his wife and five children. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM(FREEMAN NEWS)