A barangay watchman in Mangaldan, Pangasinan was injured while trying to stop a fight between two drunk men.

Jessie De Vera, 44, suffered a swollen arm and back injuries after being hit with a pipe during the altercation.

De Vera and another watchman intended to calm the situation down when one of the drunk men turned his anger on them.

“Tumawag ako ng back up namin kasi hindi namin talaga mapigilan na awatin sobrang lasi na siya,” De Vera said.

Police filed charges against the suspect who attacked De Vera.

Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the violent incident.

“Advice namin doon nalang sa prosecutor’s office [na] habulin — nung barangay tanod — na habulin yung kaso. Pero sa akin personally, sa ating kapulisan, kakampi natin itong barangay tanod especially sa peace and order,” PLTCOL. Roldan Cabatan, chief of Mangaldan Police Station, said.

Barangay Chairman Marissa Honsayco said even watchmen, that regularly patrol the area at night, need safety.

To prevent similar incidents, the barangay council is considering a ban on drinking alcohol in public places.

“I-check namin ng buong council kung paano bubuhayin yung municipal ordinance, kasi ang alam ko, hindi lang municipal ordinance [pero may] national ordinance [na] bawal tayo magpainom sa daan,” Honsayco said.