MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to protect barangay (village) officials from violence or harassment of residents during the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
DILG Spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said they have received reports of some residents attacking barangay tanods (watchmen) who are also considered frontline workers during the ECQ.
“Meron pa tayong report natangap na binato pa at sinaktan yung ating barangay tanod, so bilang mga frontliners po ay nakikiusap po kami sa publiko na suportahan din natin ang ating mga barangay officials at siguraduhin natin yung kanilang kapakanan,” Malaya said during a Laging Handa briefing when asked about barangay officials enforcing lockdown measures.
(We received reports that some barangay tanods were attacked. As frontliners, we are asking the public to support barangay officials and ensure their welfare.)
“At kami ay nakipagugnayan na rin sa Philippine National Police, nakiusap po kami at nagbigay ng direktiba si (Interior Secretary Eduardo) Año sa Philippine National Police na bantayan o kaya naman ay suportahan ang ating mga barangay officials, protektahan sila sa mga ganitong klaseng insidente,” he added.
(And we are coordinating with the Philippine National Police, we asked them and Secretary Año gave a directive to the police to secure and support barangay officials, protect them from these kinds of incidents.)