On instructions of PNP Chief, Police Director General Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa, police units will conduct 24/7 joint checkpoint operations and visibility patrols alongside their AFP counterparts, according to the letter and intent of President Rodrigo R Duterte’s declaration of a state of emergency on account of lawless violence.
According to PSSupt Dionardo Carlos, Chief PIO and PNP Spokesperson, the order aims to further intensify the already implemented checkpoint operations as target hardening measure to protect key cities and urban centers from terrorist activity.
Dela Rosa instructed all local PNP commanders to coordinate with their local AFP counterparts for the needed augmentation forces in the conduct of said 24/7 checkpoint operations. Police intelligence units and personnel are likewise required to double their efforts in intelligence gathering to ensure that similar incidents relative to the recent Davao City explosion will not be carried out by.
The Chief PNP appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcers during the conduct of checkpoints so as to hasten the process. He assured the public that PNP and AFP personnel manning checkpoints will adhere to policies and procedures and will uphold their basic rights.
Dela Rosa also reminded PNP units and personnel to conduct checkpoints operations according to the general guidelines prescribed in the Revised Police Operational Procedures that require checkpoints to be established in well-lighted areas and personnel must be in complete uniform with their nameplates visible. He also urged PNP and AFP personnel manning checkpoints to be courteous in dealing with motorists.
He also reminded the public on the following checkpoint procedures:
Checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.
Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights.
Never step out of the vehicle.
Lock all doors of vehicles during inspection since only visual search is allowed.
Never submit to physical and body search.
Motorists are not required to open glove compartment, trunk or bags.
Be courteous but firm in answering, assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.
Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy.
Be ready to use your mobile phones at any time; speed dial emergency numbers.
Report violations immediately. /PNP-PIO