Unsung first responders: Yamsuan proposes bonuses, free legal aid for barangay tanods

Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan is eyeing the grant of Christmas bonuses, free legal aid and other benefits for barangay tanods in recognition of the indispensable role that these unsung first responders play in maintaining peace and order.

At the same time, Yamsuan also urged local government units (LGUs) to invest more in strengthening the capabilities of barangay tanods by equipping them with proper gear and equipment.

“Barangay tanods serve as the government’s frontliners in ensuring that every corner of our communities remains safe, especially at night when most of us are resting. Hindi natin sila halos napapansin habang tinutupad nila ang kanilang mga tungkulin na minsan ay naglalagay pa sa panganib sa kanilang buhay (We hardly notice them as they carry out their duties, which at times, even place their lives in danger),” said Yamsuan, a former Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Yet the benefits that barangay tanods receive are not commensurate with their commitment to public service, not to mention with the risks they face every day,” Yamsuan added.

Yamsuan issued the call after the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced earlier that it is tapping barangay tanods as force multipliers in implementing the DILG’s Safer Cities Initiative, especially in ensuring secure learning environments in schools.

Barangay tanods are also in charge of implementing local ordinances which impose curfew on minors, and prohibit drinking alcohol, roaming shirtless in public places, and the use of karaoke beyond allowed hours. These are all part of the Safer Cities Initiative.

Even before the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative, barangay tanods have long been deployed to patrol crime-prone areas and respond to altercations and disturbances.

Yamsuan has filed House Bill (HB) 6598 which aims to upgrade the benefits and incentives currently being received by barangay tanods who have rendered at least one year of service.

These enhanced set of benefits include the grant of Christmas bonuses equivalent to at least half of that received by the Punong Barangay, and prioritizing them in availing of barangay livelihood and development projects.

In championing their welfare, Yamsuan has also proposed under the bill to provide tanods with insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the Punong Barangay, along with free legal assistance in any criminal or civil case filed against them for acts committed in the line of duty.

HB 6598 also protects the tenure of barangay tanods. The bill states that once appointed, tanods shall not be removed or their services terminated except for causes enumerated by the barangay resolution creating the barangay tanod brigade.

Under the measure, the decision to remove a barangay tanod for cause shall rest upon the decision of the sangguniang barangay.

“Despite their many tasks, the welfare of barangay tanods seems to have been neglected under our current laws, which provide them with meager benefits, Yamsuan said.

“Our proposed measure aims to upgrade their benefits and provide them enough protection against the risks that they may encounter as the PNP’s force multipliers,” added Yamsuan, who filed the bill as part of his H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunities and jobs, Peace and order and Education) legislative agenda.