The PNP Checkpoint is established to fulfill its mandate to protect and serve the Filipino people.
Perhaps you observed lately that almost all barangays, Cities, and Municipalities have checkpoints established by the PNP and the AFP.
This is because the election period for the barangay has begun.
The PNP and AFP are tasked to enforce the election gun ban, hence, the checkpoints.
PNP Checkpoints also serve as a deterrent to the commission of crimes. Persons who have a criminal intent to commit a crime will be prevented from doing so.
Just a reminder to all Filipinos, during the election period, no person shall bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance.
Civilians who have a license to carry firearms outside of the residence are suspended until after the election period. Secure an exemption from the COMELEC if you intend to carry your firearm outside of your residence.
This exemption in writing from the Comelec will be the only document, together with your license to carry a firearm outside of a residence, honored and recognized by the PNP/AFP manning the checkpoint.
The election period has already begun and it will end on May 21, or a week after the election.
Until after that date, leave your licensed firearms at home.
Here are some of the manifestations of a bogus PNP checkpoint
- The Checkpoint is very dark and not well lighted
- The PNP/AFP personnel should be limited to visual inspection of your vehicle, if the PNP/AFP will say get out of your vehicle then perhaps they are not PNP/AFP member
- The PNP/AFP should not physically search your person (kapkap), if they do this then perhaps they are not PNP/AFP personnel.
- A Checkpoint should always be led by an officer. The lowest ranking officer in
PNP is an Inspector. The lowest ranking officer in the AFP is a 2nd lieutenant. A Checkpoint without an officer leading it is perhaps a bogus checkpoint.
A Checkpoint may be headed by a PNP Inspector or higher.
Be vigilant, lawless elements may take advantage of the election period, If you observed any of the manifestations of a bogus checkpoint, report it asap to the nearest police station.
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