The Philippine National Police Operations

B.S.
Criminology
Module 1
Law Enforcement Operation and Planning with Crime mapping (LEA 4)
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE OPERATIONS

Police Operations cover the mission-critical aspects of a police organization:
policies, institutional arrangements, processes and resources for the performance of the
policeman’s main functions.
Police Operations encompass a wide range of activities, particularly patrol and traffic
operations, implementation of special laws, command and control, civil disturbance, disaster
management, terrorism, deployment of troops, internal security operations and community-
oriented policing, with due regard to human rights. Almost eight years after its initial publication
in September 2002, the Police Operational Procedures (POP) Manual was revised and updated
in consideration of developments in law enforcement and peacekeeping which is one of the
projects under the PNP’s Integrated Transformation Program spearheaded by the Chief, PNP.
Among the most significant updates in operational processes and procedures is the
inclusion of human rights protection which should be provided to both victims and criminals.
This PNP Operational Procedures (POP) Manual holds the key to successful police actions.
And if faithfully followed to the letter, it would shield law enforcers from criminal and
administrative liabilities as they fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the community.
CATEGORIES OF POLICE OPERATIONS
Police operations are categorized as follows:
1. Public Safety Operation – includes Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Operations, Fire
Drills, Earthquake Drills, and similar operations that promote public safety.
2. Law Enforcement Operation – includes Service of Warrant of Arrest, Implementation of
Search Warrant, Enforcement of Visitorial Powers of the Chief, Philippine National
Police and Unit Commanders, Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation, AntiIllegal Gambling
Operations, Anti-Illegal Logging Operations, Anti-Illegal Fishing Operations, Anti-
Carnapping Operations, Anti-Kidnapping Operations, Anti-Cyber Crime Operations,
and similar operations that are conducted to enforce laws, statutes, executive orders,
and ordinances.
3. Internal Security Operation – includes Counter-Insurgency Operations, Counter-
Terrorist Operations, and similar operations that are conducted to ensure internal
security.
4. Special Police Operation – includes Checkpoint Operation, Roadblock Operation, Civil
Disturbance Management Operation, Police Assistance in the Enforcement of
Demolition Eviction Injunction and Similar Orders, Police Assistance in the
Implementation of Final Court Order and Order from Quasi-Judicial Bodies, Hostage
Situation, Visit Board Search and Seizure Onboard Marine Vessels and similar police
operations that are conducted by police units with specialized training on the
peculiarity of the mission or purpose.
5. Intelligence Operation – includes Surveillance Operation, Counter Intelligence,
Intelligence Research, Intelligence Assessment, and similar police intelligence
operations conducted to gather information related to security, public safety, and
order.
1 2021 Copyright Philippine College of Criminology. All rights reserved.

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6. Investigation Operation – includes Investigation of Crime or Incident, Administrative
Investigation, and similar investigative work necessary to determine facts and

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circumstances for filing cases criminally or administratively.
7. Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) – includes the processing of crime scenes,
technical and forensic examination of evidence and similar scientific investigative
assistance.
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
1. PRE-OPERATIONAL CLEARANCE all police operations shall be conducted with the

approval of the Chief/Commander/Head of the concerned Police Unit/Office. A pre-operational
clearance shall be filed by the Team Leader(TL) of the operating team/s prior to the conduct of
the operation and shall be approved by the concerned Police Unit Commander. This clearance
shall be submitted to the operations section/division of the concerned police unit for record
purposes.
2. INTER-UNIT COORDINATION
1. Personal Coordination or by Official Representative - Team Leader/s (TL) of

local police units operating outside their territorial jurisdiction and National
Support Units (NSUs) shall coordinate, personally or through an official
representative, with the Police Regional, Provincial or City Police Office within
the jurisdiction the operation is to be conducted.
2. Filing Coordination Form - The filing of the coordination form shall be shall be
filed with the concerned operation center of the Police Regional, Provincial or
City Office prior to the launching of the operation, except in cases where inter-
unit coordination cannot be made due to the nature and/or urgency of the
situation, but not limited to, cross-jurisdictional pursuit operations, coordination
should be made formally (in writing) using the prescribed Coordination Form
as prescribed in the manual
3. Coordination by Practical/Available Means of Communication - In cases where

formal inter-unit coordination is not possible, the Police Unit concerned shall
exert effort to notify the territorial police officer through any practical/available
means of communication at anytime during the operation and, if not possible,
shall accomplish and furnish the territorial Police Office a written incident
report immediately after the termination of the operation.
3. REQUIREMENTS OF POLICE OPERATIONS
A. Basic Requirements
Police operations like arrest, search and seizure, checkpoint, roadblocks,
demolition and civil disturbance management shall be conducted as follows:
1. With a marked police vehicle;

2. Led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO);
3. With personnel in prescribed police uniform or attire.

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B. Use of Megaphones and Similar Instruments
During actual police intervention operations, the Team Leader shall use peaceful
means including the use of megaphones or any other similar instruments to warn
or influence the offender/s or suspect/s to stop and/or peacefully give up.
C. Warning Shots Prohibited
The police shall not use warning shots during police intervention operations.
4. USE OF FORCE DURING POLICE OPERATIONS
A. Use of Excessive Force Prohibited
The excessive use of force during police operation is prohibited. However, in the
lawful performance of duty, a police officer may use necessary force to
accomplish his mandated tasks of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and
order.
B. Issuance of Verbal Warning
· The police officer must first issue a verbal warning before he could use force
against an offender.
· The verbal warning shall be in the dialect that is known to the offender or in
the national language.
The verbal warning shall consist of the following:
· the police officer identifying himself; his intention; and what he wants the
offender to do.
· If the offender is a foreigner, the verbal warning shall be done in the English
language followed by a demonstrative act of the police officer's intent.
· The verbal warning shall be done in a loud and clear manner.
C. Non-Issuance of Verbal Warning When Excusable
The failure to issue a verbal warning is excusable in cases where threat to life or
property is already imminent and there is no other option but to use force to
subdue the offender.
D. Use of Non-Lethal Weapon
When suspect is violent or threatening, and that less physical measures have
been tried and deemed inappropriate, a more extreme, but non-deadly measure
can be used such as baton/truncheon, pepper spray, stun gun and other nonlethal
weapon to bring the suspect under control, or effect an arrest.
E. Application of Necessary and Reasonable Force
During confrontation with an armed offender, only such necessary and reasonable
force should be applied as would be sufficient to overcome the resistance put up
by the offender; subdue the clear and imminent danger posed by him; or to justify
the force/act under the principles of self defense, defense of relative, or defense
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of

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stranger.
F. Factors to Consider in the Reasonableness of the Force Employed
A police officer, however, is not required to afford offender/s attacking him for the
opportunity for a fair or equal struggle. The reasonableness of the force employed
will depend upon the number of aggressors, nature and characteristic of the
weapon used, physical condition, size and other circumstances to include the
place and occasion of the assault. The police officer is given the sound discretion
to consider these factors in employing reasonable force.
G. Responsibility of the Police Officer in Charge of the Operation
The police officer who is in charge of the operation shall, at all times, exercise
control over all police personnel in the area of operation, and shall exhaust all
possible means to apply the necessary and reasonable force to protect lives and
properties during armed confrontation.
5. USE OF FIREARM DURING POLICE OPERATIONS
A. The use of Firearms is justified
On the occasion when the offender poses an imminent danger of causing death or
injury to the police officer or other persons. The use of firearms is also justified
under the doctrines of self-defense, defense of a relative, and defense of a
stranger. However, one who resorts to self-defense must face a real threat in
his/her life, and the peril sought to be avoided must be actual, imminent and real.
Unlawful aggression should be present for self-defense to be considered as a
justifying circumstance. (Article 11 of the RPC).
B. Firing at Moving Vehicles is Prohibited
A moving vehicle shall not be fired upon except when its occupants pose
imminent danger of causing death or injury to the police officer or any other
person, except that the use of firearms does not create a danger to the public and
outweighs the likely benefits of its non-use.
C. Parameters to be Considered in Firing at Moving Vehicles
In firing at a moving vehicle, the following parameters should be considered:
· The intent of the suspect/s to harm the police officer or other persons.
· The capability of the suspect/s to harm with certainty the police officer
or other people.
· Accessibility or the proximity of the suspect/s from the police officer and

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other people.
D. Filing of an Incident Report After the Use of Firearm
A police officer who fired his service firearm or weapon during a confrontation
with an offender or offenders must submit an incident report outlining the
circumstances necessitating the use of his firearm.
E. Procedures after an armed Confrontation
Immediately after an armed confrontation, the officer who is in charge of the

operation shall:
a) Secure the site of confrontation
b) Take photographs
c) Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger
d) Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital
e) Ensure that all persons who died on the spot are not moved from
their original position
f) Arrested suspects should be kept in isolation
g) Conduct debriefi ng on all involved PNP operatives;
h) Submit After-Operations Report
i) Ensure psychological stress counseling for all involved PNP operatives.
6. PATROL PROCEDURES
1. Patrol Guidelines
1. Observe precautionary measures and personal safety while on patrol

2. Observe defensive driving and follow traffic rules and regulations
3. Select routes which provide best visibility
4. Patrol members must be always on the look-out for indications of vices and
other illegal activities on their beat.
5. Patrol members must be knowledgeable of all conditions, events and
details of places on their beat.
6. Be observant of people, places, situations or conditions and develop a
suspicious attitude especially if the subject appears to be slightly out of the
ordinary.
7. Keep under close observation actions of juveniles, trouble makers/agitators
and the mentally ill/retarded persons.
8. Be familiar, as much as possible, with known criminals/ ex-convicts
residing in or frequenting the patrol beat.
9. Be familiar with stay-in employees of business establishments on your beat;
10. Be on the alert for loiterers.

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11. Keep watch on uninhabited homes.
12. Observe the practice of “shaking doors” of unguarded business
establishments during night patrol. Check for signs of intrusion.
13. Establish good rapport with the people on your beat.
14. Develop contacts by getting to know as many people as possible who can
give factual information about crime conditions on the patrol beat.
15. Use tact and persuasiveness when conducting spot inquiry or questioning
individuals for information.
16. When requiring identification from a suspicious person or any individual,
avoid taking the wallet or bag in which the cards/documents are placed. Let
the individual remove and hand them to you.
17. When checking suspicious persons, places, buildings/ establishments and
vehicles especially during nighttime, be prepared to use your service fire.
Flashlight should be held tightly away from the body to avoid making you a
possible target; and
18. Patrol members should avoid loitering in theaters, restaurants and other
recreational places.
2. Duties of Patrol Supervisors
a) In any operation, careful planning is a must in order to avoid waste of

time,
effort and resources.
Make a patrol plan with the following details:

1. Area Coverage: safe haven, ambush areas and crime-prone areas
2. Organizational Detail of Personnel;
3. Duration;
4. Stand-by points
5. Route plan
b) Designate and select the members of the patrol team/s

c) Inspect the members of the patrol for completeness of uniforms,
operational readiness and all government issued equipment (firearms,
mobile car, radio, etc.) to ensure that these are well-maintained and
properly used by the Patrol Officer.
d) Conduct briefing prior to dispatch by disseminating any orders,
directives or instructions from the Chief of Police or higher authorities
and new policy or guidelines being implemented by the PNP
Organization.
e) Remind the patrol team about the strict observance of the PNP
Operational Procedures
f) Strictly observe “Buddy System” during the patrol operations
g) Render hourly report of location and situation through
radio/telephone/cellphone toPolice Community Precinct (PCP)/Station
Headquarters Tactical Operation Center (TOC)
h) Render after-patrol report duly signed by detailed personnel. PCP
Commanders shall collate and submit significant details to the Station

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Patrol Supervisor, who in turn, will submit the same to the
Provincial/District Patrol Supervisor.
i) Conduct debriefing after the patrol to assess its conduct and make
necessary corrective measures on defects noted.
3. Duties of Patrol Officer
a. Attend the Roll Call Formation before his Tour of Duty for briefing and
likewise attend the after Tour of Duty formation for debriefing;
b. Patrol the assigned beats, observe and check suspicious people,
structures/buildings, compounds and vehicles;
c. Observe and monitor public gatherings, prevent disorders and disperse
unlawful assemblies;
d. Inspect and/or conduct surveillance in various business establishments
and other installations and remove hazards to public safety;
e. Check suspicious vehicles (private, public, or commercial/delivery
vehicles) along the main roads/ highways in the course of their patrol.
f. Report occurrences and conditions which relate to crime, public peace,
order and safety.
g. Prevent crimes and arrest sighted law violators, assuring the public that
peace is preserved.
h. Conduct regular visitations, dialogues/consultations with the residents
and other stakeholders.
i. Assist personnel of responsible agencies/unit in facilitating the flow of
traffic at busy intersections/roads within his Area of Responsibility
(AOR), assist and provide pedestrian information such as directions
and street locations;
j. Enforce city/municipal ordinances on liquor establishments and
nightclubs, cabarets and all houses of ill-repute;
k. Respond to calls, entertain complaints, initiate the investigation and

protection of the scene and minimize the after-effects of accidents,
fires and other catastrophes
l. Patrol Officers shall wear the prescribed patrol uniform;
m. Patrol Officers must have the equipment necessary in the performance
of their duty.
4. Guidelines and Procedures when Responding to Calls for Police Assistance
a. Gather and note down in the patrol officer’s logbook all available data
as to the nature of the calls, date, time and name of the caller. It may
be regular, urgent or emergency in nature.
b. The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the call,
either with haste/secrecy or with/ without flashing lights and sirens.
c. Consider the pertinent factors like the time, traffic conditions, the
possibility of greater damage and the neighborhood characteristics.

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d. Stop the patrol car some distance from the scene.
e. Approach the scene on foot, in complete silence and exercising
extreme caution.
f. Immediately attend to the injured, unless the other members of the
patrol are in immediate danger.
g. Focus all efforts to arrest criminals; however, priority shall be given to
aiding the injured.
H. Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the
victim/complainant and possible witnesses at the scene.
i. If the suspects or criminals have fled the scene before the arrival of the
patrol team, immediately relay the composition, armament,
appearance, and mode and direction of escape of the suspects to the
Operations Center for the conduct of dragnet operations.
j. When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member should call
for back-up before intervening. If there are no injuries and insufficient
corroborative statements obtained to identify who started the fight,
disperse the crowd and make complete notes.
k. Never treat calls or complaints of loud noises caused by barking dogs,
drunks, appliances and parties as negligible or a nuisance. They only
need courteous and tactful intervention and not enforcement actions.
l. When responding to calls for police assistance due to planted or found
explosives, never attempt to handle, move or lift the object. Instead
contact Operations Center and request for Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Team (EODT). On-lookers must be promptly led to a safe
distance away from the scene. (Refer to Rule 34).
m. When responding to calls from owners of beer houses, bars or inns or
any other similar establishments during night time, request the owner
to put the lights on first before entering the establishments.
n. Do not attempt to arbitrate and resolve conflicts/ differences between
neighbors, landlords/tenants, husband and wife.

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SPOT CHECKS/ACCOSTING AND PAT-DOWN SEARCHES
1. Grounds for Spot Check/Search
Spot Check/Accosting - The police officer may stop an individual for the purpose of
conducting a spot check/ accosting only when reasonable suspicion exists. Reasonable
suspicion must be more than just a hunch or feeling. In justifying the stop, the police officer
must be able to point to specific facts that, when taken together with rational inferences,
reasonably warrant the stop.
Such facts include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The appearance or demeanor of the individual suggests that he is part of a

criminal enterprise or is engaged in a criminal act.
2. The actions of the individual suggest that he is engaged in a criminal activity.
3. Questionable presence of the individual in the area.
4. The subject is carrying a suspicious object.
5. The suspect’s clothing bulges in a manner that suggests he is carrying a weapon.
6. The suspect has been found in the time and place proximate to an alleged crime.
7. The police officer has knowledge of the suspect’s prior criminal record or
involvement in criminal activity.
8. The individual flees at the sight of a police officer.
Body Frisk/Pat-Down Search - A police officer has the right to perform a pat-down
search if the individual has been legitimately stopped with reasonable suspicion and when the
police officer has reason to believe that the individual possesses weapon/s on his person and
poses a threat to the police officer’s or another person’s safety.
Circumstances which may justify pat-down search:
1. The type of crime believed to be committed by the subject, particularly crimes of

violence where the threat of use or use of deadly weapons is involved.
2. Where the police officer handles several suspects.
3. The time of the day and the location where the patdown search took place;
4. Prior knowledge by the police officer of the suspect’s use of force and/or
propensity to carry deadly weapons
5. The appearance and demeanor of the suspect
6. Visual indications suggesting that the suspect is carrying a firearm or other deadly
weapon
7. Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be performed by police officers of
the same gender.
2. Procedures and Guidelines
A. Spot Check/Accosting
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1. When approaching the individual, the police officer shall clearly identify himself

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as a police officer. If not in uniform, the police officer must identify himself by
announcing his identity and displaying an official identification card and/or
badge.
2. Police officers shall be courteous at all times but maintain caution and remain
vigilant for suspicious movements like attempting to retrieve weapons, conceal
or discard contraband, or other similar actions.
3. Before approaching more than one individual, police officers should determine
whether the circumstances warrant a request for back-up and whether the spot
check/accosting can and should be delayed until such back-up arrives.
4. Police officers shall confine their questions as to the person’s identity, place of
residence, and other inquiries necessary to resolve the police officer's
suspicion. However, in no instance shall a police officer hold a person longer
than the period reasonably necessary to be able to make these limited
inquiries and to resolve suspicions.
5. Police officers are not required to inform the person of his rights under the law
(i.e. Miranda Warning, Anti-torture law, etc.) unless the person is placed under
arrest.
B. Body Frisk/Pat-Down Search - When reasonable suspicion justifies a pat-down

search, the search should be performed with due caution, restraint, and
sensitivity. Pat-down searches should be conducted in the following manner:
i. Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be conducted

by at least two (2) police officers, one to perform the search while the other
provides protective cover.
ii. Because pat-down searches are cursory in nature, they
should be performed with the suspect in a standing position, or with hands
placed against a stationary object, and feet spread apart. However, should
an officer visually observe a weapon, a more secure search position may be
used like the prone (lying face down) position.
iii. In a pat-down search, officers are permitted only to feel the
outer clothing of the suspect. Police officers may not place their hands inside
the pockets of the subject’s clothing unless they feel an object that could
probably be a weapon, such as a gun, knife, club, or the like.
iv. If the suspect is carrying an object such as a handbag,
suitcase, briefcase, sack, or other similar items that may conceal a weapon,
the police officer should not open the item but instead put it in a place out of
the suspect’s reach.
v. If the external patting of the suspect’s clothing fails to disclose
evidence of a weapon, no further search may be made. If a weapon is found
and the possession of which amounts to a violation of the law, the police
officer shall arrest the suspect and conduct a complete search of his person.
3. Reporting after the Spot Check/Accosting or Pat-Down Search – If after conducting
a spot check/accosting or pat-down search, the police officer has no basis for making an arrest,
he should record the facts of such spot check/accosting or pat-down search and forward a
report to the appropriate authority. If the spot check/accosting or pat-down search gives a
justification
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for a valid warrantless arrest, then an arrest shall be made.
CHECKPOINTS - Authority to Establish Checkpoints Checkpoint is a place where the police

check vehicular/ pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation control measures and other
laws, orders, and regulations. The establishment of checkpoints must always be authorized by
the Head of Office of the territorial PNP Unit and manned by uniformed PNP personnel. Other
units directly involved in an operation may establish mobile checkpoints in coordination with the
Unit Commander in the area.
Composition In the conduct of checkpoint
The checkpoint team shall be composed of, but not limited to, the following:
1. Team Leader (TL) - shall lead and take responsibility in the conduct of checkpoint
preferably an officer with the rank of at least Police Inspector;
2. Spotter - PNP personnel who will point/profile suspected vehicle subject for checkpoint;
3. Spokesperson - TL or member who is in charge of communicating with the motorists
subject for checkpoint.
4. Investigation Sub-team - in charge of investigation and documentation of possible
incidents in the checkpoint to include issuance of Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT) or Traffic
Violation Report (TVR)
5. Search/Arresting Sub-Team - designated to conduct search, seizure and arrest, if
necessary Security Sub-Team - tasked to provide security in the checkpoint area
Blocking/Pursuing Sub-Team - team tasked to block/ pursue fleeing suspects/vehicle.
Guidelines in Checkpoints
1. Mobile checkpoints are authorized only when established in conjunction with ongoing
police operations. Only officially marked vehicles with blinkers turned on, if available,
shall be used in establishing mobile checkpoints.
2. Checkpoints are established to enforce circulation control measures, laws, orders and
regulations, and when there is a need to arrest a criminal or fugitive from justice.
3. The composition of the personnel manning the checkpoint shall be left to the sound
discretion of the Team Leader (TL), with the consideration of female PNP officer in the
team especially when there is an anticipated female suspect.
4. The minimum Police Checkpoint team should at least be composed of an 8-man
complement, with three verifiers, one spotter, one TL, one profiler, one rear security and
one advance security.
5. The Team manning checkpoints must have immediate contact with the LGUs, Public
Attorney’s Office (PAO) or any member of the Philippine bar, and/or the media (for drug
cases).
6. The Team should encourage the participation of, but not limited to, the Local
Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs), business organizations, other civic groups, media and other stakeholders during
the conduct of Police Checkpoint operations.
7. The participation of the civilians and the presence of the media in the conduct of the
checkpoint must be confined only as observers to give police additional eyes and
promote transparency of activities in the area.
8. All civic groups or organizations to include the media, who are inclined to participate in

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police checkpoints, must be duly registered and accredited by the PNP for such purpose.
The accreditation of the civilian groups to join in the conduct of the checkpoint shall be
administered by the Police Regional and Provincial Offices.
9. PNP personnel manning the checkpoint must have a presentable appearance, wearing
the prescribed PNP uniform. Likewise, the civilian members must also be in their
organization’s uniform with their names conspicuously displayed for identification. In no
case shall the civilian components be allowed to bear firearms during the checkpoint.
10. In Metro Manila and other major cities, police officers manning the checkpoints should
not wear Field Service Uniforms (FSU) or black fatigues in lieu of the PNP General
Office Attire unless the conduct of checkpoint is a result of a Hot Pursuit Operation or a
High Risk Checkpoint. The use of mixed uniforms (GOA, FSU, black fatigue) in the
conduct of checkpoint is strictly prohibited.
11. As much as possible, the area where the checkpoints shall be established must be
properly lighted, with a noticeable signage bearing the name of the PNP unit and the
participating organization/s visibly displayed in the checkpoint site, to prevent any
apprehension from the public of the existence of the same.
12. Due courtesy must be accorded to the motorists, traders and the commuters during the
conduct of the checkpoint.
13. The spokesperson must greet the people subject for inspection, extend apology for the
inconvenience, appeal for understanding and state the reasons for the operation. Upon
completion, thank the person/s searched.
14. Except in the actual commission of crime during checkpoints or in a hot pursuit
operation, the conduct of inspection of vehicle during a routine checkpoint is limited to a
visual search and therefore must be done with due respect to innocent passers-by,
commuters, or bystanders and be conducted in a manner that is of least inconvenience
to the public. Searches, seizures, and arrests made during checkpoints shall be within
the ambit of the law.
15. Violations/Infractions of the law discovered during the checkpoint operation shall be
expeditiously disposed of following legal procedures. Arrested persons must be apprised
of their rights with respect to the Miranda Doctrine.
16. The security of the PNP personnel, and most especially that of the civilians participating
in the checkpoint operation, must be given due consideration in the planning of the
operation.
17. Only the security sub-team and blocking/pursuing subteam members are allowed to
display high-powered firearms should be positioned where they can best provide security
to the Checkpoint team, including themselves.
18. Checkpoint personnel must not limit their task to law enforcement and crime deterrence.
They should also be ready to provide police assistance in the vicinity e.g., giving
directions to inquiring motorists or passers-by.
19. The PNP operating units must provide their own logistical and financial requirements to
avoid soliciting support from the civilians for their personal or operational needs.
20. Police personnel assigned in the checkpoint shall not mulct, extort, or harass drivers,
passengers, and traders. Designated TL assigned at the checkpoint shall be responsible
for the actuations and behavior of his personnel and shall be accountable under the
doctrine of Command Responsibility.
21. Voluntary offers of cash or in kind from the traders/ motorists passing the checkpoint
should be absolutely refused because the offer might be misconstrued as a bribe.
22. The police and the civilian component must separately submit their After Checkpoint

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Operation Report to their respective units or organization for proper evaluation of the
efficacy of the operation.
Procedure in the Conduct of Regular Police Checkpoint
1. Unit Commanders should inform Higher Headquarters (HHQs) Tactical Operations

Center (TOC) and coordinate with adjacent units, such as MPS, CPS, NSUs, Public
Safety Company Forces and other friendly forces, personally or through an official
representative, before commencing with the checkpoint to avoid misencounter and any
untoward incident;
2. The TL shall brief the PNP personnel, as well as the civilian components present,
including the media regarding the proper conduct of the checkpoint and their assigned
tasks prior to their deployment
3. The TL shall initially account for the PNP personnel and check if they are in the
prescribed uniform. PNP personnel conducting the checkpoint shall display their
nameplates at all times. If wearing a jacket, the flap of the jacket bearing their names
should also be displayed. Likewise, the equipment will include, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Marked Patrol vehicles;

b. Firearms with basic load of ammunition
c. Handheld and vehicle base radios
d. Flashlights
e. Megaphone
f. Video camera; and
g. Signage:
i. Warning signs: (e.g., Slowdown Checkpoint Ahead,
Checkpoint 20 Meters Ahead, etc);
ii. Information signs:
iii. Name of the Unit and TL.
d. The Spotter of the team will be pre-positioned in a place where he can best point/profile
suspected vehicles prior to their approach to the checkpoint.
e. Search/Arresting Sub-Team shall flag down suspected vehicles and conduct search,
seizure and arrest, if necessary.
f. In the event of seized drugs, the team having initial custody and control of the drugs shall
immediately conduct physical inventory and photograph the same in the presence of the
accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized, or his/her
representative or counsel, a representative from the media and DOJ, any elected public
official who shall be required to sign the copy of the inventory and be given a copy thereof;
g. Arrested persons and seized items shall be turned over to the investigation sub-team for
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documentation and proper disposition;
h. In the event that the checkpoint is ignored, and the occupants of the vehicle open fire on
the personnel manning the checkpoint, reasonable force to overcome the suspects’
aggression may be employed;

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i. Inform Higher Headquarters before terminating the conduct of Checkpoint;
j. The TL shall conduct debriefing of personnel after termination of the Checkpoint;
k. Unit Commander shall submit After-Activity Report to Higher Headquarters.
Procedure in the Conduct of On-the Spot (Hasty) Checkpoints
1. PNP personnel conducting mobile patrols on board patrol vehicles will initially man the
checkpoint, to be complemented by additional personnel upon arrival of reinforcement. A
collapsible signage with markings: “Stop, Police Checkpoint '' if available, indicating also
the name of the concerned police office/unit conducting the operations, will be used for
the purpose
2. In the case of PNP personnel conducting Internal Security Operation (ISO) or foot patrol,
where a vehicle and collapsible signage is not readily available, the checkpoint shall be
manned initially by said personnel
3. The team shall immediately inform Higher Headquarters of the exact location of the
hasty Checkpoint to include personnel involved and available equipment;
4. In a hasty checkpoint, where there is a possibility of high risk stop and high-risk arrest,
and there is an urgency for troop deployment and that public safety might be at risk, the
participation of the civilian component and the presence of the media in the checkpoint
operation shall not be allowed
5. The Unit Commander of the personnel manning the hasty checkpoint shall immediately
send additional personnel, equipment and signage to the area in order to convert the
Hasty Checkpoint into a Regular Checkpoint;
6. As soon as the Hasty Checkpoint is converted into a Regular Checkpoint, TL shall follow
the procedures under rule ( 11.4c of this Rule. 11.6)
General Procedure to be Followed When Checkpoints are Ignored When checkpoints are
ignored
The following shall be observed:
1. In the event that checkpoints/roadblocks are ignored and the

motorists/suspects bump the roadblock in an attempt to elude arrest or
avoid inspection, the TL shall immediately contact adjacent units to inform
them of the situation so that these units can conduct dragnet operation or
police defensive roadblock, while the
members of the blocking/pursuing team shall block or pursue the errant fleeing
motorist;
2. Warning shots shall not be allowed due to the confusion it may create for
the driver and passengers of the vehicle. Megaphones or police sirens
shall be used instead during the pursuit. The plate number of the vehicle
shall be noted and given to other units in adjacent areas to prevent the
possibility that the vehicle may elude the pursuit operation;

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3. In the event that the occupants of the vehicle open fire on the personnel
manning the checkpoint, reasonable force to overcome the suspects’
aggression may be employed.
Procedure in Flagging Down or Accosting Vehicles
While in Mobile Car This rule is a general concept and will not apply in hot pursuit
operations. The mobile car crew shall undertake the following, when applicable:
A. Call Headquarters to provide information on the make or type and plate

number of the motor vehicle to be accosted and, if possible, identity of
occupants;
B. State the reason(s) for the planned intervention of the suspected motor vehicle;
C. Give the mobile car’s location and its direction before making actual intervention;
D. Try to get alongside the suspects’ vehicle and check the occupants without
alerting them of your purpose. You can even overtake the vehicle and wait for
it at an advantageous location before stopping the suspects’ vehicle;
E. Determine whether the suspects are hostile or not;
F. Make known to the suspect that you are after them through the use of a siren
or megaphone;
G. Instruct the driver to pull over or stop on the side of the road;
H. Park behind the suspect’s vehicle at an appropriate distance and cautiously
approach the vehicle on the driver’s side;
I. If the vehicle’s windows are heavily tinted and the occupants cannot be seen,
instruct the driver to open all windows to have a clear view of the interior of the
vehicle;
J. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition, if this was not done when the vehicle
stopped; in case of motorcycle instruct the driver to remove the key and
disembark;
K. The other members of the team must be on guard for any eventuality while the
vehicle is being approached;
L. Talk to the driver in a most courteous manner and inform him of the nature of
his violation. Demand to see the driver’s license, photocopies of the certificate
of registration and the official receipt. Examine these documents and counter-
check the driver on the information reflected therein;
M. If it concerns traffic violations, immediately issue a Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT)
or Traffic Violation Report (TVR). Never indulge in prolonged, unnecessary
conversation or argument with the driver or any of the vehicle’s occupants;
N. In case of other violations that require the impounding of the vehicle, inform
the driver regarding this situation and instruct him to follow you, after issuing
the TCT/ TVR; and
O. Before moving out, inform Headquarters regarding the situation/status and
disposition of the person and motor vehicle accosted.
Dealing with Hostile Situation
The following are the procedures to be followed in dealing with hostile drivers:
a. Stopping Vehicles
1. Follow the procedure stated in paragraphs a to c of Rule 11.7;
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2. Immediately request for back-up;
3. Follow the suspect and always keep him within visual range;
4. Expect that the suspect will notice your action at any time. Be prepared for
hot pursuit or actual hostile confrontation;
5. If the back-up is already in the vicinity, inform Headquarters that you are
proceeding to accost the suspect;
6. Inform the suspects that you are after them through the use of siren or
megaphone and instruct the driver to pull over or stop on the side of the
street;
7. Park at an appropriate distance behind the suspect’s vehicle;
8. While the vehicle is being approached, the other members of the crew and
back-up must be on guard for any eventuality. Overreactions or aggression
on the part of the police should be avoided;
9. If the vehicle’s windows are heavily tinted and the occupants cannot be seen,
instruct the driver to open all windows for a clear view of the vehicle’s
interior;
10. Direct the driver and other occupants of the vehicle not to make unnecessary
movements and to show their hands outside the car;
11. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition and toss the key to the ground.
Demand to see the Driver’s License and photocopies of the vehicle’s
certificate of registration and the official receipt. Examine the documents and
counter-check the driver on the information reflected therein; and
12. If there are other suspects aside from the driver, separate them from one
another.
b. Fleeing Vehicles
1. In the event that the motor vehicle did not stop despite the warning given,
inform Headquarters or adjacent units so that dragnet operations or police
defensive roadblocks can be set-up;
2. Inform Headquarters of the make or type, plate number and color of the
motor vehicle to be accosted including the number of occupants and, if
possible, their identity;
3. State the reason(s) for flagging down the suspected motor vehicle;
4. Give mobile car’s location and its direction before making actual intervention;
5. When the vehicle of the suspect is cornered or stopped, instruct the driver
and other occupants in a clear and commanding voice to follow specifically
what you will require of them. Failure on their part to follow will be construed
as a hostile act on their part. Execute instructions on the use of reasonable
force;
6. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition and toss the key to the ground,
open the door and step out of the vehicle, then instruct him to place his
hands on top of the vehicle, or to move towards you with his hands up;
7. Instruct other occupants of the vehicle, if any, to come out one by one, and
follow what the driver has been instructed to do earlier;
8. Arrest, handcuff and search the suspects and bring them to Headquarters
for proper disposition; and
9. Before moving out, inform Headquarters about the situation, status and
disposition of the suspects and motor vehicle accosted.

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High-Risk Stop and High-Risk Arrest

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a. Initial Stage
Upon receipt of information involving movement of armed person or persons, either
singly or in group, including unauthorized movement of government troops, or in
immediate response to a reported commission of crime perpetrated by armed
persons, the PNP shall immediately:
a. Organize appropriate tactical security forces utilizing maximum
firepower and armor assets
b. Deploy the security forces to stopping zones in defensive positions; and
c. Seal off the area and establish strong roadblocks/ barricades.
b. Effecting a High Risk Stop

When effecting high-risk stop, the police officer shall:
1. Exert utmost effort to persuade the suspects to halt or stop their
movement.
2. Start with the procedural conduct of regular warrantless arrest where
arrest is inevitable.
3. Ensure proper documentation of the process.
4. Respect the rights of all the persons involved.
c. During Violent Stage

The PNP shall strictly adhere to the PNP Operational Procedures (POP), particularly
on the use of force (Rule 7)
POLICE DEFENSIVE ROADBLOCK

Police Defensive Roadblock is a temporary installation or hastily built barricade set for
halting traffic to facilitate the apprehension/neutralization of an armed person/suspect onboard
a motor vehicle. (PNP Command Memorandum Circular No. 25-13 “Establishment of Police
Defensive Roadblocks”)
Pre-Conditions in Establishing Police Defensive Roadblocks: A police defensive

roadblock may be established in any of the following conditions/situations:
1. The object vehicle/s must be the subject of a recent flash alarm;

2. The driver/occupants of the vehicle are presumed hostile and will not stop at
the checkpoint;
3. The vehicle disregarded a police-established checkpoint when flagged down;
4. The identified vehicle and occupants must be the subject of a police
case/combat operational plan;
5. There is unauthorized troop movement; or
6. There must be validated information on any of the following:
● On-going hot pursuit/police chase;
● Movement of suspected armed persons onboard a motor vehicle;
● Report of suspected armed men who have just committed a crime;
● Vehicle carrying escaped prisoner; or
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● Armed motorcycle riding criminals.
Procedures in Establishing Roadblock:
a. Before the Roadblock:
Organize appropriate/sufficient police tactical security forces, utilizing maximum firepower

and armor assets (if any), with the following team composition:
1. Team Leader (TL) - shall lead and take responsibility in the conduct of
roadblock preferably an officer with the rank of at least Police Inspector (Police
Lieutenant);
2. Forward observer/spotter - PNP personnel who will point/profile suspected
vehicle subject for roadblock;
3. Spokesperson - TL or member who is solely in charge of communicating with
the armed suspects onboard a motor vehicle subject for roadblock;
4. Sniper - to render the vehicle un-operational to avoid escape and provide
firepower support to neutralize armed and hostile suspects during firefight;
5. Investigation Sub-team - in charge of investigation and documentation of the
roadblock;
6. Search/Arresting Sub-Team - designated to conduct search, seizure and arrest;
7. Security Sub-Team - tasked to provide security in the roadblock area and

ensure exclusion of other vehicles and civilians not subject of roadblock;
8. Blocking/Pursuing Sub-Team - tasked to block/pursue fleeing suspects/vehicle;

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9. Medical Sub-Team – tasked to provide immediate medical assistance if
necessary;
10. Additional tactical personnel/team may be employed depending on the size of
the hostiles;
11. Videographer – tasked to take videos of the entire roadblock operation.
The Team Leader (TL) shall brief the elements/ members of the Police Roadblock
and perform the following:
■ Inform the next higher Headquarters of the make or type and plate number
of the motor vehicle to be accosted, including the number and, if possible,
identity of the occupants;
■ State the reason(s) for the planned intervention of the suspected motor
vehicle;
■ Give the exact location of the roadblock to include personnel involved,
available equipment and marked vehicles;
■ Coordinate with the Chief of Police and friendly forces who has territorial
jurisdiction over the area;
■ Immediately contact adjacent units to inform them of the situation so that
these units can conduct dragnet operation, while the members of the
blocking/pursuing team shall block or pursue the fleeing suspects/ vehicle.
Participating personnel in the roadblock must be in their prescribed uniform and in a

roadblock, since troop deployment is urgent and public safety is at risk, the participation of
civilian components and the presence of media in the roadblock shall not be allowed.
During the Roadblock:
● Establish forward observers/spotters and rear checkpoint;

● Deploy security forces in a strategic and defensive position;
● Establish a strong roadblock on selected strategic areas;
● Deploy road spikes or tire deflation system if available;
● Ensure that the whole intervention procedure is documented by the
videographer;
● As much as possible, the area where the roadblock shall be established
must be properly lighted with noticeable signage bearing the name of the
PNP Unit visibly displayed and in a safe distance from a populated area to
prevent collateral damage if a firefight ensues;
● Police car lights must be turned on at all times during the operation;
● Identify yourself-rank, name, unit verbally and make known to the suspect/s
that you are after them through the use of a siren or megaphone;
● If the vehicle’s windows are heavily tinted and the occupants cannot be
seen, instruct the driver to open all windows to have a clear view of the
interior of the vehicle;
● Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition (if this was not done when the
vehicle stopped) and order all the occupants to disembark, followed by
their hands to be placed on top of the vehicle;
● The other members of the team must be on guard for any eventuality while
the vehicle is being approached; Intervention procedures upon stop of

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subject vehicle: Exert utmost effort to persuade the suspects to halt or stop
their movement;
○ Start with the procedural conduct of regular warrantless arrest where
arrest is inevitable;
○ Ensure proper documentation of the process; and
○ Respect the rights of all the persons involved.
Procedures when suspects open fi re/engage the troops: In the event that the occupants of
the vehicle open fire on the personnel manning the roadblock, reasonable force to overcome
the suspects’ aggression may be employed; Use only necessary force to neutralize suspects;
● Prevent panic firing;

● Prevent collateral damage; and
● Account for the casualties.
After the Roadblock:
When suspect/s surrendered or are arrested:
Arrested persons must be apprised of their rights in reference to the Miranda Doctrine;
and an After-Roadblock Operations Report must be submitted to their respective units or
organization for proper evaluation of the efficacy of the operation.
When suspects engage with troops:
Account for the casualties and give immediate medical assistance to the wounded;
Protect/preserve the crime scene/ engagement area and ensure proper documentation of the
process.
Fleeing Vehicles:
In the event that the motor vehicle did not stop and it evaded the roadblock despite the
warning given, inform Headquarters or adjacent units so that another roadblock can be set-up;
● Fleeing vehicles shall not be fired upon except by a sniper but only to disable the vehicle;
● Inform Headquarters of the make or type, plate number and color of the motor vehicle to
be accosted including the number of occupants and, if possible, their identity;
● State the reason(s) for flagging down the suspected motor vehicle;
● Give mobile car’s location and its direction before making actual intervention; and
● Establish Hot Pursuit Operation.
INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS
The PNP is mandated to provide active support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) in Internal Security Operations (ISO) for the suppression of the Communist Terrorist

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Movement (CTM) and other serious threats to national security.(Executive Order No. 546 series
of 2006 “Directing the Philippine National Police to Undertake Active Support to the Armed
Forces of the Philippines in Internal Security Operations for the Suppression of Insurgency and
Other Serious Threats to National Security, Amending Certain Provisions of Executive Order
No. 110 series of 1999 and for Other Purposes”)
The PNP in an Active Support Role The PNP shall perform the following:
● Conduct sustained law enforcement actions against CTM atrocities;

● In urban areas, the PNP may assume the lead role in ISO against the CTM, other
threat groups and organized crime groups engaged in armed offensives;
● The PNP units may either operate as a single force or as a part of joint PNP-AFP
combat operations. In both cases, lateral coordination is a must;
● The PNP units in CTM-affected areas may be placed under Operational Control
(OPCON) of AFP units but shall continue to perform law enforcement functions.
● Specific areas where armed confrontations such as encounter, ambush, raid,
liquidation and other similar atrocities occur between government forces (PNP or
AFP) and the Communist Terrorists (CTs) shall be treated as a crime scene.
Defensive Position of Police Stations, especially those located in far-flung areas, are
priority targets of attacks. As such, security measures against CT atrocities must be undertaken
as follows:
● Continuously remind all PNP personnel to be extra vigilant and security conscious
in their day-to-day activities and during troop movements.
● Duty station guards shall memorize, internalize and put into practice the 11
General Orders of a Duty Guard. They shall always carry their issued long fi
firearms and ammunition rig/bandoliers with basic load.
● Vigorously implement added security measures in all Police Stations and Police
Community Precincts.
● Conduct sustained inspection of the operational readiness of PNP fi eld
units/stations.
● Always keep in mind the modus operandi, strategies and tactics being
practiced/employed by the CTM and other threat groups.
● Enhance the establishment of Advance Security Control Points (ASCPs) to control
the ingress and egress of people in Police Stations.
● One of the strategies and tactics employed by CTM and other threat groups to
gain access to police stations is by wearing PNP/AFP uniforms and that of other
LEAs, hence, personnel assigned in the advance security control points shall not
allow entry of uniformed groups or any individuals without prior coordination.
1. Exercise sustained vigilance and maintenance of law, order and public

safety in respective AOR through the intensified conduct of police visibility
patrols.
2. Carry out Police Community Relation (PCR)/ Barangay Peacekeeping
Operations (BPO) activities in areas that are prone to influence, infiltration

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and infestation of CTM fronts organization.
Your Tasks: Identify the word/phrase being described by the following statements. Write
your answer on the space provided before each number.
1. – shall lead and take responsibility in the conduct of roadblock

preferably an officer with the rank of at least Police Inspector (Police Lieutenant);
2. – PNP personnel who will point/profile suspected vehicle subject
for roadblock;
3. – TL or member who is solely in charge of communicating with
the armed suspects onboard a motor vehicle subject for roadblock;
4. – to render the vehicle non-operational to avoid escape and
provide firepower support to neutralize armed and hostile suspects during firefight;
5. – in charge of investigation and documentation of the roadblock;
6. – designated to conduct search, seizure and arrest;
7. – tasked to provide security in the roadblock area and ensure
exclusion of other vehicles and civilians not subject of roadblock;
8. – tasked to block/pursue fleeing suspects/vehicle;

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9. – tasked to provide immediate medical assistance if necessary;
10. – may be employed depending on the size of the hostiles;
11. – tasked to take videos of the entire roadblock operation.
12 – 20. Give your idea about Police Defensive Roadblock
Bibliography
1. https://pro1.pnp.gov.ph/Downloads/POP.pdf
2. http://www.pnp.gov.ph/images/Manuals_and_Guides/pop_manual_2013-1.pdf

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Law Enforcement Operation and Planning with Crime mapping (LEA 4)