Dela Rosa orders 24/7 nationwide checkpoints

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has ordered 24/7 joint checkpoint operations and visibility patrols between the police and the military nationwide, following the declaration of a state of national emergency in the country.

Police Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday, September 9, that the directive will “further intensify the already implemented checkpoint operations as target hardening measure to protect key cities and urban centers from terrorist activity.”

The PNP chief directed all local PNP commanders to coordinate with their military counterparts for the round-the-clock checkpoint operations.

Dela Rosa urged the public to cooperate with authorities at checkpoints. He reiterated his assurance that police and military personnel will observe policies and procedures, and will uphold their basic rights.

He also reminded PNP units to be courteous to motorists and to observe general guidelines prescribed in the Revised Police Operational Procedures.

The following is the PNP’s list of checkpoint procedures released to the public:

• Checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified, and manned by uniformed personnel
• Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights, and turn on cabin lights
• Never step out of the vehicle
• Lock all doors of vehicles during inspection – only visual search is allowed
• Never submit to physical and body search
• Motorists are not required to open the glove compartment, trunk, or bags
• Be courteous but firm in answering, assert your rights, have presence of mind, and do not panic
• Always have your driver’s license and car registration with you
• Be ready to use your mobile phones at any time; speed dial emergency numbers
• Report violations immediately

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 55 following the Davao City bombing on September 2, which killed at least 14 people and hurt over 60 others.

Proclamation No. 55 describes recent terrorist acts like the Maute prison escape of terrorists, beheadings by the Abu Sayyaf of its hostages, and the deaths of 15 soldiers in an Abu Sayyaf encounter as basis for the declaration, aside from the Davao City blast. – Rappler.com