PNP warns public over suspicious checkpoints
While police checkpoints are important the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy at the same time urges the public to be wary of suspicious-looking checkpoints.
It has called on the public to report to the nearest police station suspicious-looking checkpoints especially during this election period.
PNP Director General Oscar Calderon issued the advice after the PNP recently busted a kidnap-for-ransom gang composed of rogue policemen and civilians preying on foreigners.
The gang's modus operandi, said Calderon, include flagging down would-be-victims, presenting credentials as law enforcers and arresting the victims on the pretext there were warrants out for their arrest.
"There are a lot of posers on the loose, specifically, those who say they are conducting checkpoints now that it is election time" said Calderon.
Calderon said the policemen manning checkpoints should be in proper uniform while the checkpoints should have the signs from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the PNP and should be in well-lit areas.
Earlier PNP 6 Director Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay Sr. stressed the importance of checkpoints in maintaining peace and order especially during this election time.
He said a checkpoint is one of the preventive measures to discourage persons to carry firearms with the implementation of the gun ban.
Starting January 14 to June 13, 2007, the Comelec prohibits bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places.
The enforcement of the gun ban, dismantling of private armies, increased police visibility, and other actions that would preempt election related violence have been the continued focus of the PNP and the COMELEC to sustain the government's campaign for a peaceful and credible election this coming May 14. (PIA)