ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2013) – Philippine authorities on Sunday suspended the carrying of firearms by civilians as it enforced the six-month total gun ban ahead of local and national elections in May.
Police also released the guidelines on the conduct of checkpoints to ensure that the rights of civilians and motorists are not violated, according to Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Barcena, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations.
“Matagal na nating pinaghandaan ang pagpapatupad ng checkpoints in close coordination with the Commission on Elections and the purpose of this is to ensure peace elections in the country,” Barcena told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
In the guidelines, all police checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel. It said upon approach, motorists should slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights and never step out of the vehicle and also advices motorists to lock all doors of vehicles during inspection since only visual search is allowed.
“Never submit to physical and body search; Motorists are not required to open glove compartment, trunk or bags; Be courteous but firm in answering, assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic; Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy; Be ready to use your mobile phones at any time; speed dial emergency numbers and report violations immediately,” according to the checkpoint guidelines. (Mindanao Examiner)
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