CEBU, Philippines — Following reports that some policemen in Mandaue City frisked and opened the bags of some commuters during checkpoints, Police Regional Office- 7 Director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino said he will have these allegations investigated.
“On the complaint that some of our personnel conducting checkpoints are doing body searches and opening the bags and other belongings of the commuters, this is against our police operational procedures in conducting checkpoints,” said Espino.
“Again we will reiterate our policy to our personnel conducting checkpoints to stick to our procedures that it should only be in plain view searches no body searches, no opening of bags and whatsoever, and this should be done with courtesy,” Espino added.
However he said that the operational standards observed in checkpoints have exemptions, especially if there are recent crimes reported in the area.
“Sabi na nga natin this is one way of deterrent doon sa mga crime groups, individuals na may gagawin silang masama, but it should be done always with due process, respect and with courtesy,” Espino said.
He also said that policemen conducting checkpoints must observe complete uniforms and must have proper signage.
Senior Superintendent Roberto Alanas, Mandaue City Police Office Director, said he already conducted initial investigation regarding the reports.
He also said that it usually only happens with isolated cases.
“Mayroon kasing incident I recall na mayroon na report sa amin na sa area ng Subangdako na may dadaan na may dalang kontrabando, with that information kaya ang mga tao natin ay naging alerto sila pero isolated cases lang ‘yon,” Alanas said.
However, he said he will not tolerate his men conducting body searches and opening the bags of commuters regularly.
“Kagaya sa sinabi ko, paimbestigahan ko ang report na iyun nang maigi and as I have said mga isolated case lang ‘yon but I will not tolerate my men na regular nilang ginagawa ang ganyan,” he said.
However, Alanas said checkpoints in their area helped them to regularize peace and order in the city and also lead to the arrest of personalities with contraband.
Alanas also said that if anyone has complaints regarding his men, they are welcome to come into his office so that he can immediately conduct proper actions. (FREEMAN)