4 Tisa tanods suspended for neglect of duty

CEBU, Philippines — Four village watchmen (barangay tanods) of Tisa in Cebu City were suspended for neglect of duty.

The chief tanod, Nicolas Pacaña, and his men— Albaro Cañete, Johannes Patiña and Japet del Rosario—allegedly abandoned their job and went on a drinking spree.

Pacaña, Del Rosario and Cañete were suspended for 15 days, while Patiña was suspended for 30 days. The suspension takes effect today.

Herty Lopez, the village’s chief of staff, said Patiña was meted with a stiffer penalty because he was seen bringing an alcoholic drink while wearing the tanod uniform and while on duty.

Their suspension came after photos of Pacaña, Del Rosario and Cañete allegedly drinking at 11:30 p.m. at a quarantine control point in Tisa were posted online.

“Nakit-an ni namo ang mga tanod nag-inom pasado 11:30 sa gabie. Pwede diay na sa atong barangay?” a Facebook post read.

The netizen said the tanods were even laughing out loud and seemed intoxicated.

The tanods, however, denied the allegations, saying they were partying in Cordova town at the time.

But still, Lopez said, Pacaña, Del Rosario and Cañete were supposed to be on duty.

“They abandoned their posts and neglected their duty as barangay safety officers,” said Lopez.

The tanods were found guilty of neglect of duty following an investigation conducted by Barangay Captain Renato Pacaña and Councilman Jong Alcazaren.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government has started giving out the promised hazard pay for barangay workers who are at the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus disease.

Mayor Edgardo Labella personally met the barangay officials and tanods, thanking them for their efforts in containing the further spread of the virus. — KQD (FREEMAN)