Cops manning checkpoints to conduct mobile patrols

MANILA, Philippines – Policemen manning checkpoints will conduct mobile and foot patrol following President Duterte’s order to ban road checkpoints all over the country.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said he would fully abide by the presidential order.

Albayalde, however, said he would wait for guidance from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa before transferring policemen from checkpoint operations to mobile and foot patrol duties.

The presidential order is not yet clear but Duterte said road checkpoints would be put up only “if necessary.”

“If there is no specific purpose, then don’t conduct a checkpoint. It only means trouble to the life of Filipinos,” Duterte said during a speech in Cotabato City on Friday.

Duterte was narrating the experience of some guests he invited to Cotabato.

The guests were late in coming, complaining of the numerous checkpoints along the route.

They said they went through the checkpoints separately conducted by the military, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and the police.

While he understands security checks at some road points, the President said these should only be conducted when “really necessary.”

The President said that checkpoints should only be installed whenever the authorities have intelligence that their target would probably pass through a certain place.

It is not also clear whether Duterte’s order refers to checkpoint along the highways in the provinces, which was the subject of complaints by vegetable dealers coming from Baguio City and the Cordillera region.

“Maybe President Duterte would relay to Gen. De la Rosa what he meant so the latter would bring the matter and for us to have a clear guidance on the checkpoint operations,” Albayalde said.

As of this time, the checkpoint operations would continue “until we get proper guidance from higher PNP headquarters,” he added.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson expressed support on Duterte’s call to do away with road checkpoints.

Lacson said when he was chief of the Philippine National Police, fixed checkpoints were “a breeding place for extorting policemen.”

“Mobile checkpoints are more effective since they are not expected by those who transport illegal drugs, firearms and other contraband,” Lacson said.

“Hence, they (mobile checkpoints) should be retained, even enhanced,” he said.

Lacson said he ordered the dismantling of checkpoints when he headed the PNP as part of the successful “anti-kotong (mulcting) operations.”

He said legitimate traders of goods were very thankful and appreciative of the dismantling of fixed checkpoints.

In Metro Manila, checkpoint operations are put up in strategic places.

However, several motorists are complaining that policemen manning these checkpoints are notoriously corrupt, most particularly on motorcyclists who are not wearing helmets.

Once the checkpoint operation is completely banned, Albayalde said he would direct policemen manning them to perform additional mobile and foot patrol to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation. – With Giovanni Nilles, Paolo Romero