PNP eyes random checking only at ECQ checkpoints to avoid traffic congestion

To avoid buildup of traffic at choke points, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it is considering conducting only random inspections at checkpoints in Metro Manila during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said the police organization also wants to deploy only a skeleton force in checkpoints to have more personnel do other important tasks.

“Ang gagawin natin diyan, ang mga checkpoint natin hindi natin sila ina-abandon pero skeleton force na lang tayo at random checking,” he said.

(What we will do is, we will not abandon the checkpoints but we will only deploy a skeleton force and conduct random checking.)

Eleazar said police personnel may conduct regular checking at checkpoints during non-rush hour periods.

As most of the motorists are authorized persons outside residence (APOR) and some checkpoints have recorded only few violators, he pointed out that the PNP aims to strategize its deployment of personnel and its operations.

Eleazar said the suggestion of implementing random inspections at checkpoints is based on the assessment of the PNP.

The PNP chief on Sunday said they are considering removing checkpoints in Metro Manila, and instead deploying the force in areas where they are needed more, such as vaccination sites and areas where cash assistance will be distributed.

Eleazar said the checkpoints are causing choke points and heavy traffic conditions.

On Monday, however, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) opposed the suggestion of removing fixed checkpoints and setting random ones in Metro Manila amid the ECQ.

DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya pointed out that checkpoints are the only means to assure that curfew and the stay-at-home order are being enforced.

“Para po sa amin sa DILG, mahihirapan po tayong i-implement 'yung ganitong polisiya (For us in the DILG, it would be hard to implement this policy),” Malaya said.

Metro Manila is under ECQ until August 20 in light of the threat of the Delta coronavirus variant. —KG, GMA News