Cops told: Respect motorists’ rights at checkpoints

CEBU, Philippines - As the gun ban for with this year’s elections takes effect, cops are reminded to respect the rights of motorists at checkpoints.

The ban took effect yesterday and police personnel were deployed to the streets shortly after midnight.

Chief Superindent Manuel Gaerlan, chief of the Police Regional Office-7, said policemen must keep in mind that their priority is to confiscate guns but their search is limited only to what they can see in plain sight. He reminded them that private vehicles are an extension of the passengers’ home.

He reminded officials and non-commissioned personnel that manning a checkpoint must be intelligence driven.

He said it is important that the police also interact with the people when they patrol communities to make their presence felt, not simply cruise in their patrol cars.

He said some residents of barangays Mabolo and Ermita in Cebu City shared with him that they could hardly feel police presence there.

Before deployment the other night, Superindent Arnulfo Castillo, the PRO-7 chaplain, prayed for the policemen.

All policemen designated to man checkpoints are required to wear reflectorized vests so they can be seen easily by motorists especially at night.

Just about an hour after deployment, policemen manning the checkpoint in Barangay Bacayan arrested a man for driving without a license. Incidentally, they also found a pack of suspected shabu in his possession.

The man was identified as Niño Manaban, 28, of Canduman, Mandaue City. He will face two charges for violating traffic rules and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  (FREEMAN)