PNP seeks ‘tanods’ as force multipliers guarding schools

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed local police chiefs Friday to coordinate with municipal and city officials to train village security officers to augment campus security across the country.

The initiative follows a joint agreement signed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to deploy barangay tanods or village watchmen to public and private schools, higher education institutions, and Community Learning Centers.

The security partnership aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance campus safety networks nationwide.

“School safety begins at the barangay level,” Nartatez said. “We in the PNP would like to ensure that our barangay tanods are ready to perform the tasks by offering them proper training in coordination with the local government units.”

Under the proposed training programs, police personnel will instruct village officers in patrol techniques, basic security protocols, and legal frameworks to prevent procedural violations while on duty.

The agreement authorizes tanods to conduct non-contact security checks of bags, personal belongings and vehicles at school entrances in the absence of electronic scanners. Schools can also partner with local governments to request immediate security assistance during emergencies.