More than 160 barangay tanods from 16 barangays in La Trinidad, Benguet completed a manual training program on Wednesday, strengthening cooperation between local authorities and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining community peace and security, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) said in a press release.
The graduation ceremony, held at the La Trinidad Municipal Gymnasium, was attended by PRO CAR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Noel B. Vallo, who served as the event’s inspirational speaker.
Vallo emphasized the role of barangay tanods as frontline partners of the police, underscoring the importance of discipline, vigilance, proper coordination and responsible action when responding to community concerns and incidents.
He said tanods must know when to act, seek assistance or immediately report incidents to the appropriate authorities, particularly in situations involving traffic, accidents, disturbances and disasters.
“Sa isang komunidad na patuloy na umuunlad tulad ng La Trinidad, may mga hamon tayong kinakaharap sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kaligtasan, kabilang ang mga trapiko, aksidente, kaguluhan, at mga sakuna.”
“In a continuously developing community such as La Trinidad, we face challenges in maintaining order and safety, including traffic, accidents, disturbances and disasters,” Vallo said.
He added that timely and appropriate action could prevent incidents from escalating and help ensure that people in need receive suitable assistance.
Vallo also urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training and maintain close coordination with police personnel and local government officials in carrying out their duties.
Among those present were La Trinidad Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, Vice Mayor Atty. Guiller A. Galwan, Maria Theresa A. Mangangey of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Benguet municipal local government operations office, and Atty. Alma T. Okko, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter.
Personnel of the Trinidad Municipal Police Station, led by its officer-in-charge, Lt. Col. Elpidio P. Pagoy, also attended the ceremony.
The program forms part of efforts by PRO CAR and the municipal government to strengthen community-level peace and order initiatives through training and cooperation between local watchmen, police and local officials.
Barangay tanods assist local authorities in community safety and incident reporting.
Their responsibilities and actions must remain consistent with applicable laws, local protocols and coordination with the appropriate authorities.
PRO CAR said the training initiative reflects its continuing commitment to working with barangay tanods and local government units toward safer communities across the Cordillera region.
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