Highway Patrol clarifies role on anti-kidnapping

By Maritess B. Beñas

BANGUED, Abra – Following complaints from residents of checkpoints and “unwarranted searches,” the team leader of the Highway Patrol Group here said they had to do their job of implementing the anti-carnapping and anti-kidnapping laws of the country.

Supt. Davin Brillantes made the clarification over DZPA’s program “Umili ken Gobierno” anchored by Rose Collo amid queries on the functions of the HPG.

Brillantes explained in the implementation of anti-carnapping law, the HPG makes sure that vehicles transferred have no legal encumbrances that is why HPG clearance is required when transporting vehicles from one place to another.

As regards the anti-kidnapping law, the HPG conducts check-points at random and in all major thoroughfares, Brillantes said, addxing check points are very mobile as they have a province-wide coverage and they have to be everywhere as much as possible especially where there are tips from the general public regarding suspicious characters roaming around within their area of responsibility.

“The apprehension of traffic violators is only secondary as the HPG makes use of the functions of the Land Transportation Office as we closely coordinate out efforts and functions with the LTO since they have the records of the vehicles that they need to monitor,” he said.

Brillantes, however, clarified that when they apprehend and confiscate vehicles or drivers’ licenses, they issue confiscation receipts and submit transmittal to the LTO for appropriate action.

In the case of the “wang-wang,” Brillantes said Presidential Decree 96 provides the HPG the mandate to apprehend and confiscate violators of the anti-wang-wang. That is why, Brillantes stressed, that even at the first apprehension, they already immediately confiscate and “wang-wang” horn. President PNoy is very particular in the implementation of the anti-wang-wang and the HPG is tasked to enforce the same law.

On the public’s query why the HPG vehicle had no plate number when it is they who implement the “No plate, no travel” policy of the LTO, Brillantes explained that registration of their vehicles is the concern of their logistics unit in the general headquarters of the Philippine National Police and the issuance of plate numbers of all PNP vehicles is centralized.

He further informed the public that they have already coordinated the matter to their higher headquarters.