Capitol gives gear to Mandaue tanods

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government through the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) has donated beltbags, flashlights, whistles, and batons to Mandaue City for its barangay tanods.

Mayor Jonas Cortes turned over the donation to barangay Subangdaku captain and ABC president Ernie Manatad, who in turn distributed the donation to barangay chairmen.

"These materials would help tanods enhance their performance," said Manatad.

The mayor conceptualized the "community cop" program wherein barangay tanods are accompanied by a police officer when patrolling especially during night time.

City Police Director Senior Supt. Noel welcomed this move as an effective way to prevent the commission of crimes.

Records show that the crime rate was lower last year compared to the same period the other year.

Gillamac said the number of crimes dropped from 3,113 in 2009 to 1,740 in 2010. (FREEMAN)