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Security Advisory on PNP Checkpoints

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Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints

Upon approach of checkpoint especially at night, slow down, dim car headlights and turn on cabin lights. If pulled over, open window three fourths down. Greet AFP/PNP officer, note name of the officer and maintain contact.

Lock all doors; talk to AFP/PNP officers only on one side of your vehicle. Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.

Only visual search is legal. You are not obliged to open glove compartment, trunks or bags.

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Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints

Never step out of your vehicle. You should not be forced to alight unless there is probable cause to believe that your vehicle has been involved in a crime.

Keep your driver's license and car registration handy, within reach and ready for inspection when requested by authorities.

Be ready to use your cell phone at any time. Speed dialemergency numbers.

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Guidelines on Checkpoints

The checkpoints must be established in well lighted areas with visible sign boards .

It must be done in a manner that will impose minimum inconvenience upon person/s to be searched such that the rights of the persons are not violated.

PNP/AFP personnel manning the checkpoints must be in complete uniform with nameplate and led by an officer with a rank of at least a Lieutenant (AFP) or Police Inspector (PNP).

Valid search on vehicles must be authorized by a search warrant issued by an appropriate authority.

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Warrantless searches can only be conducted on the following circumstances:

Moving vehicles and the seizure of evidences in plainview, As long as the vehicles are neither searched northeir occupants subjected to a body search, and the inspection of the vehicle is merely limited.

Vehicles where occupants appear nervous, suspiciousor exhibit unnatural reaction.

If the officer conducting the search has reasonable or probable cause to believe that either the occupant/s is a law offender or that the instrumentalities or

evidences pertaining to the commission of a crime can be found in the vehicle to be searched.

On the basis of prior confidential information whichare reasonably corroborated by other attendant matters.

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Guidelines on Checkpoints

PNP Police Operation Procedures shall be strictly observedparticularly in situations where search, seizure and arrests are made including the use of reasonable force against violent aggression.

Any person arrested must be turned-over to the nearest policestation, together with the arrest orders and receipt of confiscated items. The police chief /detachment commander shall conduct an investigation and submit a report to the provincial or city prosecutor for preliminary investigation.

All arrests shall be immediately and chronologically recordedin a logbook.

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Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints

In case that your rights are violated, you may call Commission on Human Rights Hotline 377-2477.

On abuse of PNP personnel manning the checkpoints in Metro Manila, you may call 838 -3354 / 838 -3203 (NCRPO)