In wake of checkpoint massacre, Comelec chair reminds police to follow protocols

In the wake of findings that the police violated basic checkpoint protocols in Quezon, just prior to killing 13 men in a two-vehicle convoy, Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. inspected checkpoints between midnight and 3 a.m. Sunday in the national capital and found them compliant, radio dzBB’s Rodil Vega reported Sunday. But he added that he expects the regional police to follow standard procedures in checkpoint operations even without his close scrutiny. With most of the 13 victims of the checkpoint massacre last weekend in Atimonan, Quezon newly buried, Brillantes reminded the police to adhere strictly to checkpoint rules, such as being in uniform and having marked police cars and clear signage. Commentators have said that the Atimonan massacre has worsened the public's perception of checkpoints, which are supposed to improve security and make it harder for criminals to travel.

"Motorists have long been wary of police and military checkpoints, since stories have abounded of these being manned either by robbery gangs or corrupt police out to make a quick buck," Inquirer columnist Rina Jimenez-David wrote last Thursday. "With the shootout or rubout in Quezon, can we blame ordinary citizens for being all the more skeptical and scared of such checkpoints?" Brillantes inspected the police checkpoints in the National Capital Region accompanied by Metro Manila police chief Director Leonardo Espina. The inspection was conducted between midnight and 3 a.m. Sunday, the report said. The poll body chairman added he expects Comelec regional directors to file this week their reports on their inspections of police checkpoints in the provinces. Early on Sunday, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima announced that several checkpoints have been set up to ensure the enforcement of the Comelec gun ban. "Magkakaroon po tayo ng iba't ibang hakbang para ipatupad itong gun ban na ipinag-utos po sa atin ng Comelec," he said. Moreover, "Hindi po natin ina-announce kung saan po natin ilalagay ang checkpoints dahil nga po, kapag ia-announce natin, syempre, 'yung mga kriminal na nakikinig sa mga radyo at telebisyon ay malalaman po nila kung saan sila dadaan." Purisima reiterated the rules to be followed in setting up checkpoints:         - the location must be in a well-lighted area;     - visible signage must be put up;     - all police officials must be in uniform; and     - a patrol car must be present. Clean, safe polls Early on Sunday, the Comelec spearheaded a "unity walk" that kicked off the campaign for clean and safe May 2013 polls. Officials and personnel of the Comelec, police, and military participated in the walk, which was followed by a prayer rally in Quezon City, to mark the start of the election period. Comelec spokesman James Arthur Jimenez tweeted a photo of the early-morning event. He also tweeted another photo showing participants lighting candles for unity "A brilliant dawn for unity in the 2013 Election Period," he said. Participants pledged to do their part to ensure clean and safe polls on May 13. "Hearing the voter's pledge rising up to meet the morning, issuing from the throats of hundreds of united women and men, is something else," Jimenez tweeted. — with Mandy Fernandez /LBG/BM/HS, GMA News