I HAVE to thank the Philippine National Police for ensuring that the 3rd Grand Feast Bacolod last Thursday was peaceful. The SMX Convention Center security guards checked the bags of thousands of worshipers while a K-9 unit stood guard.
Without them, the attention of attendees in the jam-packed hall would have been divided between security concerns on one hand, and praise and worship on the other.
I also have to credit President Rodrigo Duterte for being decisive in putting the whole country in full alert. After all, if his home city Davao – supposedly the safest place in the country – experienced terror bombing, it would be easy to hit cities such as Bacolod for similar attacks. Better safe than sorry.
In fact, that same night, Senior Supt. William Señoron, provincial police director, assured Negrenses that joint checkpoint operations between the military in some key areas of Negros Occidental, form part of the target hardening measures to protect urban centers from possible terrorist activity.
Señoron also urged motorists and commuters to cooperate with our law enforcers, whom he also reminded to strictly adhere to policies and procedures in the conduct of checkpoints.
In the conduct of checkpoints, civilians and police officers should be aware of the checklist provided by the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office based on the 2013 Revised Police Operational Procedures (POP). All PNP personnel must promote and protect the citizen’s rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom of movement.
The checkpoint must be authorized, legal and based on the POP; personnel conducting the checkpoint must be kind and courteous. Therefore, police officers must approach the motorist with holstered firearm, unless there is an imminent threat on the part of the police; search of vehicle during checkpoint is limited to a visual search; mulcting/asking anything directly or indirectly from the motorist is strictly prohibited. (In other words, the purpose of checkpoints is to heighten security preparedness, and not to make money).
Right against self-incrimination of the motorist must be respected. Never shout or indulge in prolonged conversation and argument with the motorists; avoid overreaction or aggression toward suspect/s. Don’t force the driver and occupant/s of the vehicle to alight without valid reason.
An arrested person at the checkpoint must be informed of his Miranda and anti-torture warning, and must be referred immediately to the nearest police station.
Seized drugs, contraband and other illegal items at the checkpoint must be immediately photographed and inventoried. A copy of the inventory report shall be given to the suspect.
rWarning shot or firing at the fleeing suspect is strictly prohibited, use of police sirens, mega phone and roadblock to stop the suspect are encouraged; and only reasonable force may be used to overcome the resisting and hostile suspect.
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(bqsanc@yahoo.com)
