No policewomen at checkpoints – PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines - Policewomen will not be deployed in checkpoints.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima said most policewomen are mothers who have to take care of their children and families.

“I don’t think that it is necessary because we won’t be touching anything,” he said. “We will just be looking, that’s why it’s called ‘plain view’.”

Purisima said the PNP is considerate of the status of policewomen, who are committed to their duty.

“Although there are many policewoman now operating even at night, like in (anti-kidnapping group) there are a lot of policewomen who play vital roles in operations,” he said. “They do not even go home for so many days.”

Meanwhile, Purisima said all police commanders must closely supervise checkpoints in enforcing the nationwide gun ban and other prohibited acts during the 150-day election period.

“The PNP must promote and protect human rights because this task lies at the very core of maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law in the country,” he said.

“Human Rights protection is the first business of law enforcement.”

All police units were instructed to ensure that all personnel assigned to checkpoints are properly briefed and oriented on proper conduct and behavior.

Purisima has directed the PNP Directorial Staff to ensure proper education and orientation on human rights values among policemen.

The PNP has started enforcing the Commission on Elections-imposed gun ban to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May.

As of Thursday morning, the PNP said 35 firearms have been seized and 46 persons arrested in different checkpoints nationwide.

Moveable checkpoints

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said checkpoints need not remain in one place.

“It should be random so they can capture those who carry firearms,” he said. “But it is up to the PNP to determine if they should be operational 24 hours.”

The public’s constitutional and human rights must always be respected while doing the inspections, Brillantes said.

Under Comelec Resolution 9588, at least one checkpoint must be set up in each city and municipality.

However, police or the Armed Forces could establish more checkpoints at their “discretion.”

“Every Comelec checkpoint shall have a signboard measuring three feet by four feet to clearly identify the place as a Comelec checkpoint from a reasonable distance,” read the resolution.

The resolution said policemen and soldiers manning checkpoints must be in complete uniform and shall not be under the influence of liquor/drugs.

“As a rule, a valid search must be authorized by a search warrant duly issued by an appropriate authority,” read the resolution.

“A warrantless search could be made in the cases of moving vehicles, and the seizure of evidence made in plain view as long as the vehicle is neither searched nor its occupant/s subjected to a body search, and the inspection of the vehicle is merely limited to a visual search. – With Sheila Crisostomo