With election season coming up fast, Manila police were reminded of the need to stick to standard operating procedures for establishing checkpoints.
According to an article in GMA News Online, National Capitol Police Office Director Leonardo Espina was quoted as saying that checkpoints will be in place by Sunday, in time for the commencement of the election period. Director Espina also stated that the checkpoints would be set up in conjunction with the Armed Forces and the Commission on Elections.
According to Director Espina, standard operating procedure necessitates that checkpoints be staged in well lit areas where police are clearly dressed in appropriate uniform.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) anticipate having to erect additional checkpoints in order to enforce the ban on guns during the election cycle. Concern over electoral violence comes in the wake of an incident last week in Quezon province where a police checkpoint operation devolved into a bloody shootout. The incident is currently under investigation.
