(PIA-NCR file)
MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded motorists that they are implementing the “plain view doctrine” in checkpoints put up for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“Dapat irespeto ng ating checkpoint officers sapagkat ang pagkapkap ay hindi kasama sa plain view doctrine ‘yun, no. Talagang ‘yung nakikita lang ng naked eye ang che-checkin at ‘yung kontrabando na ating kukunin (Our checkpoint officers must respect that because physical or bodily searching is not included in the plain view doctrine, no. The contraband that we will take would have to be those only seen by the naked eye),” PNP chief information officer PBGen. Redrico Maranan said with the checkpoints established starting Monday, August 28.
This, following the start of the filing of candidacy on Monday for those who will run in the 2023 BSKE.
The plain view doctrine means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.
The PNP official reminded those conducting checkpoints to avoid violating the human rights of motorists and respect their decision to refuse body-search or inspection of their vehicle.
Maranan also said motorists cannot be forced to open their vehicle compartment without consent. In case of doubt, the motorist may be requested to do so, however, the police must have a partner to conduct the said inspection.
The firing of warning shots are also prohibited in case a motorist slips through a checkpoint. The police, however, can chase a motorist and use a megaphone while in pursuit.
“Nasa police operational procedure ‘pag may tumakbo sa checkpoint, ‘yun ay ating hahabulin by using our mobile cars or motorcycle (It is in the police operational procedure that if someone runs from a checkpoint, we will chase them by using our mobile cars or motorcycles),” Maranan added.
He said checkpoints are preventive measures to avoid any untoward incidents and violence during the conduct of BSKE 2023 in October.
The PNP, in partnership with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has begun the placement of checkpoints and enforcement of the gun ban after the official start of the election period in relation to the BSKE.
Checkpoints were first established along the borders of San Juan and Quezon City, San Juan and Sta. Mesa in Manila. A checkpoint was also placed along Quirino Highway in Quezon City.
Also, there are the Comelec checkpoints with police personnel in Mandaluyong, particularly near Kalentong.
In Parañaque City, a checkpoint was conducted at the Sucat Interchange near the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office.
The police appealed to motorists to cooperate with the authorities. Carrying of weapons will be strictly prohibited and the permit to carry firearms outside of home was suspended starting Monday, August 28.
Moreover, checkpoints have also been laid out in the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) area for the start of the election period related to BSKE in October. (PIA-NCR)
