ICPO boosts nighttime patrols with Project Tanod Lead

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has strengthened its newly launched program with barangay tanods, or village watchmen, to deter street crimes and ensure immediate response to calls for assistance.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, Iloilo City police chief, said Project TANOD LEAD, or Tanod and Police Nightly Operations for Discipline and Law Enforcement Against Disorder, was launched as part of the ICPO’s “unwavering commitment to public safety and community protection.”

The program aims to strengthen nighttime peace and order operations through enhanced police visibility, rapid response, and close coordination with barangay officials, barangay tanods, and community stakeholders.

During its launch on May 29, police and tanod members arrested a security guard allegedly involved in the illegal discharge of a firearm in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo district.

Alias Cris, 22, a native of Barangay Cabanga-an, Badiangan, Iloilo, was arrested after he allegedly fired his gun following a commotion around 10:20 p.m.

Personnel of Iloilo City Police Station 6, together with barangay tanods and barangay officials, immediately responded to the scene and made the arrest.

Recovered at the scene were a 9 mm pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition and a fired cartridge case.

Parilla said the accomplishment highlighted the dedication, coordination, and professionalism of ICPO personnel, barangay tanods, and local officials in addressing threats to public safety and ensuring that offenders are held accountable under the law.

He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in maintaining peace and order in the city.

Project TANOD LEAD builds on the role of barangay tanods as community-based frontliners who assist police and local officials in maintaining public order, especially during nighttime patrols.