‘Checkpoint cops can’t open bags’
MANILA, Philippines — Policemen manning quarantine checkpoints are not allowed to sift through bags and belongings of motorists.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, made this clear in response to reports that some police personnel at checkpoints are demanding that motorists open their bags.
At a press briefing yesterday, Banac said police are only authorized to conduct thermal scanning or check if motorists flagged are authorized to go out of their residences.
In case there is something suspicious about a motorist flagged, police officers may question him or ask him to open his bag. Banac said such case is isolated, however.
The PNP official said concerned residents may relay their complaints to the local chief of police for appropriate action, including sanctioning the erring police officer.
Data from the PNP showed that as of yesterday morning, over 126,300 people have been apprehended for curfew violations and quarantine disobedience.
Of this number, more than 29,630 individuals have been arrested.
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