PNP eyes training for barangay tanods to boost school security

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed police chiefs and unit commanders nationwide to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) on possible training programs for barangay tanods who will help strengthen security in schools.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive following an agreement between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd) allowing barangay security officers to augment existing school security personnel.

The agreement, signed by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, covers public and private schools, academic institutions and DepEd-supervised Community Learning Centers.

“School safety begins at the barangay level. We in the PNP would like to ensure that our barangay tanods are ready to perform the tasks by offering them with proper training in coordination with the local government units,” Nartatez said Friday, 16 October.

He said police assistance could include training in patrol operations, threat identification and other security-related responsibilities.

The PNP also plans to educate barangay tanods on relevant laws to help ensure that their actions remain within legal boundaries.

Under the agreement, schools may coordinate with their respective LGUs to request assistance during security incidents, including situations requiring immediate protection of students and personnel.

Barangay tanods may also conduct authorized inspections of bags, personal belongings and vehicles at designated school entrances.

In schools without electronic screening equipment, inspections must be carried out using authorized non-contact methods.

Nartatez said barangay tanods would serve as additional personnel monitoring school surroundings, helping identify suspicious activities and immediately relay potential threats to police and school authorities.

Their deployment is also expected to improve coordination between schools, barangays and law enforcement agencies, particularly during emergencies.

“Barangay tanods will act as community force multipliers to ensure that no threat will disrupt the security situation around our schools. They will boost our patrols within school perimeters and nearby areas, as well as enhance coordination among officials, especially when threats arise,” Nartatez said.