Security Advisory on PNP Checkpoints 1

Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints 2  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.

Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints 3  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 dial emergency numbers.

Guidelines on Checkpoints 4  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.

Warrantless searches can only be conducted on the following circumstances: 5  Moving vehicles and the seizure of evidences in plain view, As long as the vehicles are neither searched nor their occupants subjected to a body search, and the inspection of the vehicle is merely limited.  Vehicles where occupants appear nervous, suspicious or 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 which are reasonably corroborated by other attendant matters.

Guidelines on Checkpoints 6  PNP Police Operation Procedures shall be strictly observed particularly 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 police station, 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 recorded in a logbook.

Some helpful tips when flagged down at checkpoints 7  In case that your rights are violated, you may call Commission on Human Rights Hotline  On abuse of PNP personnel manning the checkpoints in Metro Manila, you may call / (NCRPO)