Barangay tanods could soon join local police in coordinated night patrols across Cebu City under a proposed measure seeking stricter enforcement of curfew and anti-vagrancy ordinances.
Councilor Paul Labra is urging all 80 barangays to organize joint patrol operations with their respective police stations to strengthen neighborhood monitoring and increase the presence of law enforcers at night.
The proposal is contained in a resolution filed by Labra before the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, calling on barangay captains and their councils to coordinate patrol activities with local police precincts.
It cites recent citywide police operations under local safety campaigns, which reportedly resulted in hundreds of ordinance violators being apprehended during late-night inspections.
The measure also points to local law enforcement data indicating that regular police visibility at night can help discourage petty crimes, public drinking and other disturbances.
Under the proposed measure, barangay tanods would serve as force multipliers for the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), helping police personnel maintain peace and order within communities.
Each barangay would coordinate with its respective police precinct to plan patrol schedules and conduct enforcement operations.
However, the resolution does not prescribe a uniform schedule or specific deployment arrangements, leaving the details to coordination between barangay officials and local police.
Labra cited Section 16 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local government units to take measures promoting the general welfare and effective governance.
The proposal underscores the need for closer coordination between barangay officials and police personnel to improve compliance with existing city curfew and anti-vagrancy ordinances.
It also seeks the involvement of the city government and the Association of Barangay Councils Cebu City Chapter in disseminating the proposed measure.
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