MANILA — An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday said it is the job of barangay (village) executives to clear the streets of “tambays” (loiterers).
“Arresting and penalizing ‘tambays’ (loiterers) is the duty of barangay,” DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said in an interview.
Diño also called on the barangay council to enforce its applicable existing ordinance created to address the problem on loitering.
He said barangay “tanod” (watchmen) are responsible in patrolling and make sure that their communities are cleared of “tambays” as part of maintaining peace and order.
He noted that barangay personnel should coordinate and work hand-in-hand with policemen in apprehending violators of ordinances, such as the enforcement of the ban on drinking of liquor on the street, anti-smoking policy, or curfew on minors, among others.
He said that since barangay officials know the people in the neighborhood, they can easily identify who among their constituents are prone to loiter.
Meanwhile, Diño defended the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to discourage loitering as a positive action, saying it would make people, especially those who work at night, feel safe when walking on the streets. (Leilani Junio/PNA)
