PNP official: Official checkpoints follow regulations to safeguard human rights

PNP Logo

QUEZON CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- An official of the Philippine National Police said Wednesday that motorists should not be wary of police checkpoints as these are guided by official regulations aimed to ensure respect for human rights.

"We trained our people to respect human rights while doing inspections,” PNP-Public Information Office Deputy Chief Noel Baraceros said. “They cannot touch the inside of compartments.”

He said official checkpoints are easy to spot.

Checkpoints are set up in well lighted areas. These have visible signages bearing the name of the Police Team Leader as well as signages announcing that the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Phillippines are conducting checkpoints as part of election security measures.

Officers in checkpoints must be in uniform with name plates.

Checkpoint personnel will only conduct visual inspections in checkpoints. There shall be no physical contact.

Baroceros said, “(Inspectors) could demand for driver's licenses but that is only to know whether the driver is licensed to drive or determine the identities of the vehicle's owner. Otherwise, drivers and passengers will not be forced to step out of vehicles and be frisked or body-searched."

He also assured the public that the PNP will do everything to make the elections safe and orderly.

Under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 9571, PNP is deputized to provide security to polling precincts, election officers and other officials.

PNP will likewise assist Comelec in implementing election laws, rules and regulations. It shall also conduct peace and order assessments and recommend measures that the poll body may adopt in critical areas.

He said the public may report crime or PNP assistance, through 117, 772-9585 and 412-3227 or thru text message to 2920.

Baroceros was guest during the Paghahanda para sa Hatol ng Bayan TV program.

The show features personalities and experts on suffrage, local governments, national and local legislation (the Senate and the House of Representatives), political parties and multi-party system.

Each episode is aired simulcast over the Philippine Broadcasting Service-Radyo ng Bayan (PBS-DZRB) and can be viewed thru livestreaming via mediangbayan.ph.

Real time updates on Paghahanda para sa Hatol ng Bayan episodes can be viewed via Twitter (@hatol2013), Facebook (Hatol ng Bayan) and Short Messaging System (Text Blasts from PIA). (Lyndon Plantilla/RA/Media ng Bayan)