PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED OF BARANGAY TANOD IN PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This study aims to identify the problems encountered by Barangay Tanods in Barangay Sto. Rosario in performing their duties and responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Barangay Tanods, or Barangay Police Security Officers (BPSOs), serve as the lowest level of law enforcement officers in the Philippines and play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in their respective barangays. However, their effectiveness and preparedness during the pandemic have been challenged due to various factors. The research utilizes a descriptive research design and qualitative descriptive approach to gather data through questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations. The data collected is analyzed using weighted mean and the Likert scale to assess the seriousness of the identified problems. The findings reveal several significant problems faced by Barangay Tanods during the pandemic. These include dealing with ill-tempered and stubborn individuals, non-compliance with safety protocols such as wearing face masks and observing social distancing, residents resistance to following rules, encountering hostility and harassment, and facing challenges in correcting violators. These problems are categorized as serious to very serious based on their weighted mean scores. The study emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preparedness among Barangay Tanods in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities during the pandemic. The findings can serve as a basis for developing interventions and training programs to address these challenges effectively. By enhancing the competence and knowledge of Barangay Tanods, their ability to ensure the safety and well-being of their community can be strengthened even in the face of unprecedented circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.