Barangay tanods in Kidapawan City to be armed with shotguns

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - The city government plans to procure 70 gauge 12 combat shotguns to improve the crime-prevention proficiency of local barangay watchmen following last month’s robbery of a gas station here by suspects brandishing AK-47 Kalashnikov rifles.

City Councilor Francis Palmones, chairman of the Sangguniang Panglunsod’s committee on peace and order, said they have approved early this week the procurement of the firearms on the behest of City Mayor Joseph Evangelista.

Evangelista sought the permission of the SP to purchase the shotguns to boost the crime-fighting capability of local barangay tanods helping the city police guard all of the more than 40 barangays here.

There have been dozens of recorded motorcycle thefts in the city in recent months. Gunmen, armed with AK-47 Kalashnikov and M-16 rifles had also robbed last month a roadside gas station in Barangay Sudapin here.

The gunman casually walked away from the scene as they escaped.

The unarmed civilian volunteers and community watchmen in Barangay Sudapin tried to respond, but balked and retreated when they noticed that the robbers were armed with military-type assault rifles.

Evangelista had earlier said the shotguns they intend to issue to members of the Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT) will boost the city government’s peace and security thrusts.

The mayor added that the city police will help oversee the barangay tanods armed with shotguns issued by the city government.