‘No frisking at PNP checkpoints’

No more body frisking.

No need to step out of a vehicle or open the baggage compartment for police to do a search.

Major changes were announced in new guidelines of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the conduct of checkpoints.

Motorists no longer have to disembark from vehicles to submit for an inspection in a checkpoint.

The aim is to prevent human rights violations, said the new guidelines posted in the PNP website.

Cebu City Intelligence chief Romeo Santander said the order has been sent out to 11 police stations in city and special units.

Under the new guidelines, all checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.

When approaching checkpoints, vehicles should slow down, dim the vehicle headlights and turn on cabin lights. None of the passengers are allowed to step out of the vehicle.

All vehicle doors should be locked throughout the inspection. The police are only allowed to conduct a visual search of the vehicle.

Passengers should not submit to a physical or body search nor are they obliged to open the vehicle’s glove compartment, trunk or bags.

However, passengers and drivers still have to answer “courteous routine questions” asked by the police.

Drivers are also asked to keep their driver’s license and car registration within reach.

“As the promotion of right-based policing becomes a focal point in the agenda of the PNP leadership, the conduct of police or law enforcement must be in compliance with human rights standard,” said PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome Bartolome in his order.

For any complaints against the police during checkpoints, motorists can put in speed dial police emergency number where they can report their grievances./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON