ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2013) – Nagsimula na kahapon ang total gun ban na pinaiiral ng pulisya sa buong bansa bilang paghahanda sa papalapit na halalan sa Mayo.
Naglabas na rin ng guidelines ang pulisya sa pagsasagawa ng mga checkpoints upang maiwasan ang paglabag sa karapatan ng mga motorista at sibilyan, ayon kay Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Barcena, ng Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO).
Sa inilabas naman na guidelines ng pulisya ay ito ang nakasaad: “Checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel; Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights; Never step out of the vehicle; 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 at Report violations immediately.”
“Matagal na nating pinaghandaan ang pagpapatupad ng checkpoints in close coordination with the Commission on Elections and the purpose of this is to ensure peaceful elections in the country,” ani Barcena sa panayam ng Mindanao Examiner.
Ang dekoradong si Barcena, na dating hepe ng pulisya sa Zamboanga city at DIPO sa Western Mindanao, ay siyang namumuno ngayon sa DIPO sa Eastern Mindanao ngayon. (Mindanao Examiner)
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