The Performance and Challenges

Faced by Tanods: A Comprehensive

Review of Related Literature
Abstract— The manuscript offers an in-depth examination of the performance and obstacles faced by
barangay tanods, vital civilian volunteers tasked with upholding peace and security in areas where formal
law enforcement presence is scarce. The study extensively examines various aspects of barangay tanods'
roles, responsibilities, and operational effectiveness, emphasizing their satisfaction levels, training needs,
empowerment initiatives, and operational challenges. It underscores the significance of continuous training
programs, specialized competencies, and community responses in improving the overall performance of
barangay peacekeeping teams. Additionally, the research explores how barangay tanods engage in disaster
risk reduction, respond to public health emergencies, and adapt to evolving work environments,
demonstrating their resilience and adaptability during crises. While recognizing the effectiveness of barangay
tanod across different domains, the study also highlights operational barriers like limited resources and
challenges in information dissemination that impede their optimal performance. The study concludes by
promoting research initiatives that encompass gender diversity to gain deeper insights into the responsibilities
and challenges encountered by female tanods, aiming to improve the tanods' overall success in keeping peace
and order. This research significantly adds to the domain of existing knowledge by illuminating the essential
function fulfilled by barangay tanods and providing valuable perspectives to direct upcoming researchers in
advancing understanding within this critical field.

Keywords— barangay tanod, grassroots peacekeeping, community-oriented policing, gender-inclusivity,

peace and order

I. INTRODUCTION
Conducting an exhaustive literature review is fundamental in academic research, serving as the bedrock upon
which new knowledge is built. By immersing in existing literature, researchers uncover insights into the breadth
and depth of current scholarship, identifying areas warranting further exploration (Xiao & Watson, 2019). This
article meticulously analyzes, synthesizes, and identifies gaps in the literature concerning the performance and
challenges encountered by Tanods. The objective is to provide future scholars with a roadmap to address these
gaps, advancing knowledge in this critical domain.
In the context of the Philippines, the preservation of peace, order, and safety for the society stands as a
foundational responsibility of the Philippine National Police, in accordance with the directives outlined in the
PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998. While police visibility is crucial for peacekeeping efforts, mere
augmentation of police presence may not always yield the desired outcomes in crime prevention. Collaboration
between police and community members becomes imperative to collectively bear the responsibility of crime
prevention.
The establishment of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) serves as a pivotal entity responsible for
implementing a community-focused policing and public safety system. Comprising the barangay tanod (sectoral
representatives, police auxiliaries), Ex-O, Barangay Chairman and PNP supervisor, BPAT integrates grassroots
approaches with traditional security services provided by the PNP (Philippine National Police, 2009).
 II. DISCUSSION
Barangay Tanods are civilian volunteers tasked with protecting communities from lawless elements and
demonstrating a significant dedication to deterring crime, particularly in areas with limited police presence
(Austria-Cruz, 2020). As frontline guardians of peace and order at grassroots levels, several studies have
explored the performance and challenges faced by barangay tanods.
A. Performance Assessment of Barangay Tanods
A study, by Austria Cruz (2020) thoroughly examined how well barangay security police officers are carrying
out their responsibilities as specified in Memorandum Circular No. 2003-42. The research showed that tanods
performance received feedback with data analysis showing no differences in opinions between community
members and barangay officials. This discovery highlights the contentment, with how tanods are fulfilling their
roles within the community.
Building on this positive evaluation, Laruan (2015) and Bente et al. (2022) further explored the performance of
barangay tanods across different categories such as age, educational attainment, and length of service. Both
studies consistently reported high overall performance levels among tanods, irrespective of these demographic
factors. This suggests a uniform standard of excellence maintained by barangay tanods in fulfilling their
responsibilities.
B. Training and Competency Enhancement
Aydinan (2021) delved into the participants' understanding of their duties and obligations as initial responders,
emphasizing the importance of training programs to enhance their competencies. The study underscored the
necessity for financial backing and organized training programs to enhance the expertise and capabilities of
barangay enforcers in essential areas necessitating improvement. This underscores the significance of
continuous training and development programs to guarantee the proficiency of barangay tanods in fulfilling their
responsibilities.
C. Satisfaction Levels and Challenges Faced
Saligan et al. (2018) examined the satisfaction levels among respondents with the services provided by the
BPAT, revealing high overall satisfaction except in the initiatives to reduce crime. The analysis of respondent
profiles based on various demographic factors showed no statistically significant differences in satisfaction
levels, except for factors like length of residency, marital status, and level of education. This highlights the need
for targeted interventions to address specific areas of dissatisfaction and enhance overall service delivery by
barangay peacekeeping teams.
In contrast, Sumad-on (2020) identified moderate effectiveness in crime prevention by barangay tanods,
attributing this to deficiencies in routine duties and functions such as patrols, surveillance, and hazard
identification. The study underscored the difficulties barangay tanods have in preventing crime, including
inadequate resources like vehicles for patrols, training in self-defense techniques, and essential equipment for
effective crime prevention. These findings shed light on the operational challenges that hinder barangay tanods
from achieving their ideal function in upholding law and order within their communities.
D. Empowerment and Specialized Training Needs
Lacanilao (2021) focused on empowering the capabilities of barangay tanods in specific areas such as aiding
women that are victims of violence and employing a methodology suitable when dealing with children in
conflict with the law. The study revealed a restricted understanding of procedures in these specialized areas,
indicating a pressing need to enhance the competencies of barangay tanods in handling sensitive situations. This
underscores the importance of specialized training programs to equip barangay tanods with the necessary skills
to address diverse community needs effectively.
E. Community Responses and Operational Challenges
Rodriguez-Lirios (2022) provided significant insights into the carrying out of duties of Barangay Peacekeeping
and Safety Officers (BPSOs), highlighting the influence of community responses on their effectiveness. The
study identified challenges such as lax attendance, inadequate support for personal protective equipment,
inconsistent hazard remuneration, and a lack of coping mechanisms among BPSOs. These operational
challenges impact the overall performance of barangay peacekeeping officers and underscore the need for
structured support mechanisms to enhance their operational efficiency.
F. Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
Cobales et al. (2021) explored the involvement of barangay peacekeeping teams in disaster risk reduction
management, emphasizing the resilience demonstrated by experienced respondents in the face of natural
disasters. The study revealed a significant correlation between demographic variables including age, educational
achievement, and position concerning the implementation of BPATs' responsibilities in the management of
 disaster risk reduction. These findings underscore the significance of ongoing training initiatives to equip
barangay peacekeeping teams with the necessary skills to effectively respond to disasters and emergencies.
G. Infrastructure and Equipment Challenges
De Asis et al. (2020) highlighted the troubles that Barangay Tanods has encountered in keeping the peace and
order, including maintenance issues with police vehicles and a shortage of necessities such as raincoats and
communication gadgets. These infrastructure and equipment challenges hinder effective patrol activities and
monitoring efforts crucial for crime prevention. Addressing these challenges is essential to strengthen the
barangay tanod's operating capacity and improve their ability in preserving harmony and order in their local
areas.
H. Response to Public Health Emergencies
Roxas (2020) provided insights into the response of barangay peacekeeping teams to public health emergencies,
specifically focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial unpreparedness and lack of knowledge and
experience, the BPAT in Bacayao Sur, a barangay in Dagupan City, demonstrated active involvement in
regarding the pandemic response in a systematic and adaptable manner. The study highlighted the resilience and
adaptability of barangay peacekeeping teams in addressing public health emergencies, underscoring the
importance of preparedness and effective response strategies in crises.
I. Effectiveness and Operational Barriers
Monte et al. (2023) emphasized the efficacy of BPAT in keeping peace and order, demonstrating exceptional
proficiency in various areas such as safety for society, law enforcement, environmental preservation, dispute
settlement, and catastrophe readiness. However, the study also identified barriers such as limited information
dissemination and inadequate financial resources that pose substantial challenges to the operational efficiency of
barangay peacekeeping teams. Addressing these barriers is crucial to sustaining the effectiveness of BPATs in
upholding peace and order within barangays.
J. Adapting to Changing Work Environments
Cruz et al. (2021) explored the barangay tanods' actual encounters while the pandemic was in progress,
highlighting the challenges faced when their work environment underwent abrupt changes. The study revealed
that a majority Most barangay tanods were provided incentives by the government to address their health and
sanitation requirements during the pandemic. Reflecting on their experiences, barangay tanods expressed a
desire to boost their roles as agents of the government and equip themselves for potential impending
emergencies. This underscores the adaptability and resilience of barangay tanods in responding to evolving
challenges and underscores the importance of continuous learning and preparedness in their roles as frontline
community enforcers.

III. CONCLUSIONS
The research findings shared in this review emphasize the Barangay Tanods function in upholding peace and
order in communities where formal police presence may be lacking. These dedicated civilian volunteers show a
commitment, to preventing crime through teamwork and dedicated adherence to their duties. While previous
studies have shed light on their performance and the obstacles they encounter, there is a gap in understanding the
roles, experiences and empowerment of women tanods within barangays.
Including women tanods in research efforts is vital for gaining a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of
barangay tanod groups. Examining the contributions and challenges faced by women tanods will not only
deepen our understanding of their roles but also enhance the barangay tanods' overall success in preserving
peace and order. By considering gender factors and advocating for gender approaches, in the realm of barangay
security we can further bolster the capabilities and influence of these community guardians.
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