A member of Task Force Davao may face administrative charges for frisking a driver, inspecting his belongings, and forcing him out of the vehicle at a checkpoint in Davao City.

The video footage of the incident went viral online before it was taken down, eventually.

The incident drew criticism as authorities are expected to observe the “plain view doctrine” at checkpoints.

Observing the “plain view doctrine” means that drivers should only lower their windows and turn the lights on for a visual search.

Body search and ordering drivers and passengers to disembark are not allowed.

Drivers are also not obliged to open the vehicle’s compartment or have their belongings checked.

The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) admitted that what the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member did was wrong.

The military said it was an isolated case.

“Mangayo og dispensa ang atoang Task Force Davao for the discomfort nga nahitabo sa procedure sa pag-inspect. Isolated case gyud ni siya kung atong tan-awon because it has never been a normal practice nga buhaton to,” 10ID Spokesperson, Major Ruben Gadut, said.

10ID said the CAFGU member has been pulled out of the team and may face administrative charges. It assured that the incident will not happen again.

“For the action taken, gi-pullout nato ang tropa nga naka-commit ani. Again, gi-undergo sa reorientation. Atoa pud ginatan-aw kung unsa ang administrative pud nga na-sanction sa iya. Gina-ensure nato ang public nga dili ni mautro nga incident. Basically, mali gyud to siya,” Gadut added.

Ret. Col. Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Office, reminded the public:

“Basta mga checkpoints nato, ang plain view doctrine ra man gyud ang atong gina tan-aw unless with the consent of the driver o naa sa sakyanan musugot siya nga i-open ang compartment o even belongings kung naa siyay pagtugot but, then again, balik ta sa basic plain view doctrine ra gyud ta,” he said.