After Curfew Violator is Shot Dead, PNP Chief Says Tanods Can't Carry Guns

Barangay tanods cannot carry guns, the head of the Philippine National Police said Wednesday after one pf the village watchmen shot dead a reported mentally ill curfew violator in Manila.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered all police commanders to ensure that barangay tanods do not carry guns especially in enforcing quarantine protocols after tanod Cesar Panlaqui fired at Eduardo Geñoga for allegedly making noise during curfew hours in Tondo.

"Nasa kustodiya na ng Manila Police District at naghahanda na rin ng mga karampatang kaso ang ating kapulisan upang mapanagot ang barangay tanod na nakapatay ng isa nating kababayan sa Maynila,” Eleazar said in a statement.

"Tututukan natin ang kasong ito at makakaasa ang pamilya ng biktima na gagawin natin ang lahat na legal na paraan upang mapanagot ang maygawa nito," he said.

This is not the first time that a quarantine violator is shot dead by authorities.

Police, according to Eleazar, will also investigate why the suspect had a gun and if the firearm is registered. If not, he would face an additional charge for illegal possession of it.

Following the incident, the PNP chief reminded law enforcers to observe maximum tolerance in the implementation of community quarantine protocols.

"Hindi dapat humantong sa paggamit ng dahas ang paninita sa mga violators,” he said.