Since the election period kicked off on January 12, the philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed over a thousand checkpoints nationwide.The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has issued a stern reminder to officers: adhere strictly to protocol or face consequences—both legal and public.
Brigido Dulay, the IAS Inspector General, emphasized that the core of these protocols is to uphold human rights and ensure ethical policing during these Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints.
“Checkpoints are a critical aspect of our law enforcement operations, but they must be conducted wiht utmost respect for the rights of the public. Police personnel who disregard established procedures tarnish the reputation of the PNP and will be held accountable,” said Dulay.
These security measures,aimed at curbing criminal movement and enforcing the nationwide gun ban,are part of the preparations for the midterm elections scheduled for May 12.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has set an ambitious target: at least 1,000 checkpoints daily to ensure the public feels the tangible presence of election security measures across the nation.
Dulay urged the public to stay informed about thier rights while cooperating with law enforcement. He also reinforced Marbil’s directive: all officers manning checkpoints must wear body-worn cameras or similar recording devices.
“This measure aims to protect both the public and police personnel by ensuring openness and accountability during checkpoint operations,” said Dulay.
Leadership, Dulay stressed, is pivotal. Commanders must lead by example, ensuring their units act with professionalism at all checkpoints.
“Leadership is key in ensuring that our police officers act with professionalism.Commanders must take duty for the conduct of their units at all checkpoints,” he said.
Under Section 84 of Comelec Resolution No. 11067,all checkpoints must be coordinated with local election officers and set up in well-lit areas. They must be manned by uniformed personnel from the PNP, military, or coast Guard, led by ranking officials with clear identification.
Searches at these checkpoints are strictly visual. Physical or body searches are only permissible if there’s reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. officers cannot force motorists to open car compartments but may ask routine questions courteously.
Dulay warned that any violations of these protocols will lead to administrative sanctions. Accountability, he stressed, is crucial for building trust in law enforcement during elections.
“our role as the Internal Affairs Service is not just to enforce discipline but also to serve as a guardian of human rights and proper policing practices. We encourage the public to report any irregularities they encounter at checkpoints, as their vigilance is essential to maintaining accountability,” said Dulay.
“Any violation of protocols should be reported immediately to the nearest IAS regional office or the National Internal Affairs Service,” he added.
The IAS continues to collaborate with various sectors to promote awareness of public rights and foster transparency in law enforcement. For complaints or reports of violations, the public can contact the IAS through official hotlines or visit their offices nationwide.
How does the IAS plan to ensure transparency in the validation of election-related violence cases?
Interview with Brigido Dulay, IAS Inspector General, on Election security Measures
Archyde News Editor: good afternoon, inspector General Dulay. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) preparations for the upcoming midterm elections. As the election period kicked off on January 12, we’ve seen significant security measures being implemented nationwide. can you give us an overview of these measures and their objectives?
Brigido Dulay: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The PNP has deployed over a thousand checkpoints across the contry as part of our complete security plan for the elections. These measures are designed to curb criminal movement, enforce the nationwide gun ban, and ensure a safe and orderly election process. Our goal is to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Archyde News Editor: With such a large-scale deployment, there’s a concern about the conduct of police personnel at these checkpoints. The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) recently issued a stern reminder to officers. what are the key protocols that officers must adhere to, and why are thay so critical?
Brigido Dulay: The core of these protocols is to uphold human rights and ensure ethical policing. police personnel must conduct checkpoint operations with utmost respect for the rights of the public. This includes proper identification, respectful communication, and adherence to established procedures. Any deviation from these protocols tarnishes the reputation of the PNP and jeopardizes public trust. Officers who disregard these procedures will face both legal and public consequences. We are committed to accountability and transparency.
Archyde News Editor: Speaking of accountability, recent reports indicate that there were 120 suspected election-related violence cases in 2024, with only 12 validated. How does the IAS plan to address such incidents during this election period?
Brigido Dulay: The IAS is vigilant in monitoring and investigating any reports of violence or misconduct.We have a robust system in place to validate incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Our proactive approach includes continuous training for officers, real-time monitoring of checkpoints, and swift responses to any violations. We aim to minimize incidents and maintain a secure environment for all citizens.
Archyde News Editor: PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has set a high standard for this election period. What role does the IAS play in supporting his vision for ethical and effective policing?
Brigido Dulay: The IAS is integral in supporting Gen. Marbil’s vision. We serve as the watchdog of the PNP, ensuring that all operations align with the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights. We conduct regular inspections, provide guidance to officers, and enforce disciplinary actions when necessary.By upholding these principles, we contribute to a PNP that the public can trust and rely on.
Archyde News Editor: what message would you like to convey to the public as we approach the midterm elections on May 12?
Brigido Dulay: I want to assure the public that the PNP is fully committed to safeguarding their rights and ensuring a peaceful election process. We encourage everyone to cooperate with our security measures and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can uphold the integrity of our democracy and ensure a safe election for all. Thank you for your trust and support.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Inspector General Dulay, for your insightful responses. We appreciate the PNP’s efforts and look forward to a secure and successful election period.
Brigido Dulay: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital matters.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
