Puno forms review body on police checkpoints

Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and National Police Commission (Napolcom) Chairman Ronaldo Puno announced yesterday the creation of a five-man committee tasked to determine if standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being followed in the setting up of police checkpoints, especially in Metro Manila.

The Napolcom chief formed the committee in light of reports that motorists are more often than not are terrified of being flagged down rather than feel secure with policemen manning major thoroughfares for their protection.

"There is a need to determine what is wrong and how police operation procedures in the conduct of checkpoints can be modified in order to make the same more motorist-friendly," Puno said.

He said the idea was re-assure the public that checkpoints and chokepoints are put up to ensure the safety of everyone from criminal elements.

The review committee’s second task is to look into the confusion over what constitutes a police arrest and a mere invitation for questioning.

Puno said Napolcom will also investigate the "arrest" of Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel during a rally in Quezon City last Wednesday.

He said there are conflicting reports on whether she was nabbed for leading a protest action or was merely invited for questioning.

Puno believes that there should be an established set of guidelines that will determine the limitation of checkpoint operations and so-called invitation for questioning of an individual.

Puno designated Napolcom commissioner Miguel Coronel as head of Standing Review Committee, which is being asked to ensure that people’s rights are always respected by the PNP.

He said the guidelines, protocols and standards on checkpoint operations and serving invitations to suspected persons without issuing arrest warrants should be clear.

"This is intentionally to protect people from harm and I want this to be resolved as soon as possible," Puno said.

The committee will be composed of Napolcom’s legal chief, a PNP legal officer, the Directorate for Investigation, Detection and Management and the Directorate for Operation. — Michael Punongbayan