Guidelines for Checkpoints

If you encounter a checkpoint:

1. The Rule is: The PNP manning the check point are limited only to a VISUAL SEARCH. They are not authorized to open your trunk, compartment, or bags(unless you are stupid enough to consent voluntarily). If they make motions to search your person (body), open your glove compartment or trunk, NEVER VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO OPEN ANYTHING OR ALLOW THEM TO SEARCH YOU. ALWAYS OBJECT.

If the police insist on searching against your will, then the search will be rendered ILLEGAL and can be questioned later, and may be the basis for RETURN or your things, if taken.

2. Only items in PLAIN VIEW can be seized. So always HIDE your guns carefully in bags or better in the trunk and make sure they are OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT. Try to cover the gun cases with cloth or other similar item.

3. Nevertheless, bear in mind that the SUPREME COURT has ruled in Valmonte vs. De Villa 178 SCRA 211 (1989) that checkpoints are valid PROVIDED THAT neither the vehicle must be searched or its occupant subjected to a body search.

However if you take public transportation or commute, please be aware that in the infamous case of People vs. Mikhail Malmstedt, 198 SCRA 410 (1991), a mere "suspicious bag" was upheld as probable cause to conduct a search of pssangers inside a bus, in which case the drugs found during such search were upheld to be addmissible as evidence.

4. Practical pointers for checkpoints:

a. Do not panic
b. Be courteous, but cordial, with the PNP. Maintain a distance and avoid cracking jokes or name dropping with them. Just shut up unless asked questions. The sooner you get away, the better.
c. Be sure to object if they ask you to get out of the car and search the vehicle and its compartments. Always ask what the charge is before they proceed. Never voluntarily consent to a search.
d. If you feel that your rights are being violated or are detained for more than 1 hour call your relatives or a lawyer immediately.
e. If you are arrested do not volunteer any information or give any statement until your lawyer or relatives arrive.

5. If your guns are discovered:

a. Calmly explain that they are toys
b. Invoke the memo of the chief pnp and the IRR and amnesty period
c. if they insist on detaining you or confiscating your weapons, call your relatives or a lawyer.

6. The worst case scenario if you get caught at a checkpoint is they will confiscate your guns. As what happened in makati recently, the guns could be returned when things are explained and sorted out with the PNP. You cannot be charged with any crime.

7. Avoid known checkpoint areas. Also NEVER ride tandem (angkas) on a motorcycle with your guns. You are surely going to be stopped and body-searched since tandem riders are a known modus operandi of assassins.