Tanods not allowed to carry guns – Eleazar

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday ordered PNP personnel to ensure that no barangay peace and security officer carries firearms.

“Make sure that no barangay tanod would be allowed to carry guns, especially in the enforcement of quarantine protocols,” Eleazar said.

He issued the directive after a curfew violator was shot dead by Cesar Panlaqui, a barangay tanod in Tondo, Manila.

The victim, 59-year-old scavenger Eduardo Geñoga, was found dead on Saturday with a gunshot to the chest.

Panlaqui said he fired at Geñoga because the victim was creating a ruckus during curfew hours.

Eleazar ordered the Manila Police District to conduct a thorough investigation on Geñoga’s murder, as the PNP chief wanted to find out how Panlaqui was able to obtain a firearm.

Eleazar vowed justice for the family of Geñoga, said to be mentally ill.

“We will look into this case.  The victim’s family can expect that we will pursue all legal means upang mapanagot ang may sala,” Eleazar said.

Following the incident, Eleazar reminded police officers of the rules of engagement and other operational procedures in the enforcement of quarantine rules.

The government has placed Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to curb the spread of the highly infectious COVID-19 Delta variant.

“We remind PNP personnel to always observe our protocols, especially in dealing with civilians during the enforcement of ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas,” Eleazar said.

CHR probe

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched a probe on the killing of Geñoga.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia condemned the killing of the scavenger.

“It is alarming that another violator died again during the implementation of quarantine protocols, which is reminiscent of deaths of violators during last year’s ECQ,” De Guia said. “This is a health crisis, not a peace and order agenda. Employing force will not eliminate the virus, but others instead harm lives.”

Police have denied that the incident was a case of abuse by law enforcers, noting that it was an isolated case that may happen even without ECQ.