Baguio folks hit checkpoints; city PNP chief: Du30’s order

BAGUIO CITY – Residents assailed installation of sporadic checkpoints in this summer capital saying these worsened heavy traffic aside from needlessly making motorists inconvenienced.       

But the Baguio City Police Office said checkpoints are being done anytime so lawless elements will not compromise the peaceful and orderly situation of the city.

Senior Supt. Ramil L. Saculles, BCPO director expressed disappointment over negative comments being hurled against them in conduct of police checkpoint operations.

Police manning the checkpoints have been accused of singling out motorcycles. Saculles said such perceptions were untrue and unfair to policemen who are just doing their jobs.

The BCPO official said motorcycles have visible violations like no license plate numbers and no driver's license for those on board that is why police officers manning checkpoints apprehend them.

For other vehicles, Saculles said it is difficult for the police to detect violations of motorists because what is only allowed is plain view search.

According to him, the conduct of mobile and stationary police checkpoints have been installed due to orders from President Rodrigo R. Duterte to ensure that diversionary tactics of terrorists outside Mindanao could be prevented and to make sure the city will remain a safe place to work, study, live and do business.

He said cops in checkpoints have been trained to uphold interest of the public and that they will strictly enforce the law without fear or favor.

Saculles said checkpoints are in accordance with guidelines from higher authorities to prevent complaints from the public that checkpoints are done to sow fear among the residents which is not the case.

He urged the public to report to the nearest police stations any doubtful activities of suspicious-looking individuals in their barangays so they can immediately respond with the appropriate evaluation and validation by the policemen on the ground for action by concerned authorities.-- Dexter A. See