Female cops to man Quezon City checkpoints

MANILA, Philippines – All-female police teams will secure checkpoints at strategic areas in Quezon City, an official said yesterday.

Riding on the Land Transportation Office’s initial success in deploying female traffic enforcers to monitor traffic and arrest violators, Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele said the QCPD launched its own version in a bid to prevent street crimes.

At around 8 p.m. Thursday, a team of 31 policewomen led by Inspector Erlinda Garcia was deployed along C-5 Road in Greenmeadows subdivision. The group’s stint ended before midnight.

QCPD public information chief Inspector Maricar Taqueban, who was also part of the team, said their members were “drafted” from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, PIO, and mobile and Special Weapons and Tactics units.

Taqueban said a regular schedule is still being worked out, adding that they are most likely to work the checkpoints once or twice a week. She said the policewomen will wear pants instead of skirts, as well as reflectorized orange vests, while at the checkpoint.

Female SWAT members, however, would wear police camouflage uniforms and lug assault rifles like their male counterparts, she said.

Mantele said the public will see more of the policewomen until the end of the election-related gun ban on Nov. 10.

“I assure you they are properly trained and skilled, like their male counterparts. Don’t underestimate what the policewomen can do,” Mantele said, noting that there is an all-woman team in the district’s mobile unit, SWAT, investigation and detective units. “They’re not just for office work.”

Taqueban said their deployment actually drew varied reactions from motorists and the general public. She said some motorists “were smiling when they were flagged down for inspection.” Another team member said some women drivers refused to cooperate.

“Some said the policewomen were easy on the eyes. Others, particularly the male motorists, feel more comfortable with us, even if we are more meticulous,” Taqueban said.

Most policemen interviewed by The STAR, however, expressed apprehension over the move.

“This approach unnecessarily exposes our women to danger,” one lawman said. “Even if they have long firearms, they’re still women.”

Others said the policewomen are a welcome sight. “They’re easier to talk to and less likely to engage in any monkey business,” one policeman said.