How to respond properly at police checkpoints

After the deadly explosion in his hometown of Davao City on Friday night, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday placed the entire country under “state of lawlessness.”

This declaration calls for the increased presence of police and military in the streets and the setting up of more checkpoints especially in Metro cities.

Below are the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) guidelines on how to properly respond and protect your rights during checkpoint inspection:

(1) Checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified, and manned by uniformed personnel.

(2) Upon approaching the checkpoint, slow down, dim the headlights, and turn on cabin lights.

(3) Never step out of the vehicle.

(3) Lock all doors of vehicles during inspection because only visual search is allowed.  

(4) Never submit to physical and body search.

(5) Motorists are not required to open their glove compartment, trunk, or bags.

(6) Be courteous but firm in answering. Assert your rights, have a presence of mind and DO NOT PANIC.

(7) Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy.

(8) Be ready to use your mobile phones at any time; speed dial emergency numbers.

(9) Report violations immediately.

— VVP, GMA News