As the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) began accepting certificates of candidacy (COC) for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded cops to respect the human rights of motorists when conducting inspection in checkpoints.

According to PNP Chief Information Officer PBGen. Redrico Maranan, cops assigned in checkpoints should respect the decision of motorists who refuse a body search or vehicle inspection.

"Dapat irespeto ng ating checkpoint officers sapagkat ang pagkapkap ay hindi kasama sa plain view doctrine ‘yun, no. Talagang ‘yung nakikita lang ng naked eye ang che-checkin at ‘yung kontrabando na ating kukunin," he said.

Under the plain view doctrine, Maranan said motorists only need to lower their windows to see the inside of the vehicle and the passengers at the checkpoints.

The PNP Chief Information Officer said motorists cannot be forced to open their compartments without consent.

In case of doubt, Maranan said the police can ask and request the motorist to open their compartments, but he must have a tandem partner to conduct the inspection.

Warning shots are also prohibited in case a motorist slips through the checkpoints, and the police can chase motorists while using a megaphone.

"Nasa police operational procedure ‘pag may tumakbo sa checkpoint, ‘yun ay ating hahabulin by using our mobile cars or motorcycle," added Maranan.

Checkpoints are preventive measures to avoid any chaos and violence during the conduct of the BSKE in October 2023.