Bato to local police chiefs: Arrest gun-bearing barangay tanods

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Tuesday ordered chiefs of police to arrest all village watchmen who are illegally possessing firearms.

“Hulihin lahat ng tanod na armado. Magalit na ang magagalit, wala akong pakialam. They are not authorized to bring firearms. I’m giving instructions to all chiefs of police,” Dela Rosa said in a press conference.

The PNP chief issued the order following the shooting incident in Mandaluyong City wherein village watchmen opened fire at a mistaken vehicle, which was rushing a shooting victim to the hospital.

Responding Mandaluyong City policemen were informed by the watchmen that they were going after a shooter's vehicle, prompting the lawmen to join the chase.

The policemen also fired at the vehicle. Two persons, including shooting victim Jonalyn Ambaon, were killed.

Dela Rosa reiterated that village watchmen are only authorized to bring a nightstick or truncheon.

“Ang puwede sa kanila ay batuta lang. The PNP is happy na may tanod na nakakatulong pero kung ang tanod ang source ng problema eh ibang usapan na,” he said.

He said village watchmen who have permits to carry firearms outside of residence must not bring their guns in public places.

“Hindi puwedeng dalhin iyon sa mataong lugar, sa place of convergence dahil pang self defense lang talaga,” he said.

Even before he assumed his post, Dela Rosa had been against proposals to arm village watchmen with guns.

He said watchmen owning firearms may be used as a private army of local officials. —ALG, GMA News