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,
Anti-Illegal Gambling Operations, Anti-Illegal logging Operations, Anti-Illegal
Fishing Operations, Ant-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 - incudes Surveillance Operation, Counter Intelligence,

Intelligence Research, Intelligence Assessment and similar police intelligence
operation conducted to gather information related to security, public safety and
order.

6. Investigation Operation - includes Investigation of Crime or Incident,

Administrative Investigation and similar Investigative work necessary to
determine facts and Circumstances for filing cases criminally or administratively.

7. Scene or the Crime Operation (SOCO) - incudes the processing of crime

scene, technical and forensic examination of evidences and similar scientific
investigative assistance.

Operational Procedures
Pre-Operational Clearance

No police operation shall be conducted without the approval of the

Chief/Commander/Head of the concerned Police Unit/office. A pre-operational
clearance shall be filed by the Team Leader 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.

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 whose jurisdiction the operation is to be conducted.
 1. Coordination by Filing Coordination Form
Prior to the launching of the operation, except in cases where the formal (in
writing) inter-unit coordination cannot be made due to the nature and/or urgency
of the situation such as, but not limited to, cross-jurisdictional pursuit operations,
coordination should be made formally using the prescribed Coordination Form,
which shall be filed with the concerned operation center of the Police Regional,
Provincial or City Office (Annex "A"-Coordination Form).

2. Coordination by Practical/Available Means Communication

In cases where formal inter-unit coordination is not feasible, the Police Unit
concerned shall endeavor to notify the territorial police office through any
practical/available means of communication at anytime during the operation andif
not possible, shall accomplish and furnish the territorial Police Office a written
incident report immediately after the termination of the operation.

Requirements of Police Operations

1. Basic Requirements

Police operations like arrest, search and seizure, checkpoint, roadblocks, demolition
and civil disturbance management shall be conducted as follows:
A. With a marked police vehicle;
B. Led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO); and
C. With personnel in prescribed police uniform or attire.

2. 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.

3. Warning Shots Prohibited

The police shall not use warning shots during police intervention operations.

Use of Force During Police Operations

1. 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.

2. Issuance of Verbal Warning

The police officer must first issue a verbal warning before he could use force against an
offender. As far as practicable, the verbal warning shall be in the dialect that is known to
the offender or in the national language. Basically the verbal warning shall consist of the
following: the police officer identifying himself; his intention; and what he wants the
offender to do. II 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Non-lethal weapon to bring the
suspect under control, or effect an arrest.

5. 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 of stranger.

6. Factors to Consider in the Reasonableness of the Force Employed

A police officer, however, is not required to afford offender/s attacking him 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.

7. 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.

Use of Firearm During Police Operations

1. Use of Firearm When Justified

The use of firearm is justified if the offender poses imminent danger of causing death or
injury to the police officer or other persons. The use of firearm 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 on his 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.

2. Firing at Moving Vehicles Prohibited But with Exceptions

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, and that the
use of firearm does not create a danger to the public and outweigh the likely benefits of
its non-use.

3 Parameters to be Considered in Firing at Moving Vehicles

In firing at a moving vehicle, the following parameters should be considered:
a. The intent of the suspect/s to harm the police officer or other persons;
b. The capability of the suspect/s to harm with certainty the police officer or other
persons; and
c. Accessibility or the proximity of the suspect/s from the police officer and other
persons.

4. Filing of an Incident Report after the Use of Firearm

A police officer who fires 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.
5. 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 debriefing on all involved PNP operatives;
h. Submit After-Operations Report; and
i. Ensure psychological stress counselling for all involved PNP operatives.

Patrol Procedures
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;

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 night time, be prepared to use your service firearm. 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.

Duties of Patrol Supervisors

1. 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:
a. Area Coverage: safe haven, ambush areas and crime-prone areas;
b. Organizational Detail of Personnel;
c. Duration;
d. Stand-by points; and
e. Route plan.

2. Designate and select the members of the patrol team/s;

3. 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;

4. 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;

5. Remind the patrol team about the strict observance of the PNP Operational
Procedures;

6. Strictly observe "Buddy System" during the patrol operations;

7. Render hourly report of location and situation through radio/ telephone/cellphone to

Police Community Precinct (PCP)/Station Headquarters Tactical Operation Center
(TOC);

8. Render after-patrol report duly signed by detailed personnel. PCP Commanders shall
collate and submit significant details to the Station Patrol Supervisor, who in turn, will
submit the same to the Provincial/District Patrol Supervisor; and

9. Conduct debriefing after the patrol to assess its conduct and make necessary
corrective measures on defects noted.

Duties of Patrol Officer

1. Attend the Roll Call Formation before his Tour of Duty for briefing and likewise attend
the after Tour of Duty formation for debriefing;

2. Patrol the assigned beats, observe and check suspicious people,

structures/buildings, compounds and vehicles;
3. Observe and monitor public gatherings, prevent disorders and disperse unlawful
assemblies;

4, Inspect and/or conduct surveillance in various business establishments and other

installations and remove hazards to public safety;

5. Check suspicious vehicles (private, public, or commercial/delivery vehicles) along the

main roads/highways in the course of their patrol;

6. Report occurrences and conditions which relate to crime, public peace, order and
safety;

7. Prevent crimes and arrest sighted law violators, assuring the public that peace is
preserved;

8. Conduct regular visitations, dialogues/consultations with the residents and other

stakeholders;

9. 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;

10. Enforce city/municipal ordinances on liquor establishments and night clubs,

cabarets and all houses of ill-repute;

11. Respond to calls, entertain complaints, initiate the investigation and protection of the
scene and minimize the after-effects of accidents, fires and other catastrophes;

12. Patrol Officers shall wear the prescribed patrol uniform; and

13. Patrol Officers must have the equipment necessary in the performance of their duty.

Guidelines and Procedures when Responding to Calls for

Police Assistance
1. 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.

2. The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the call, either with
haste/secrecy or with/without flashing lights and sirens.

3. Consider the pertinent factors like the time, traffic conditions, the possibility of greater
damage and the neighborhood characteristics.

4. Stop the patrol car some distance from the scene. Approach the scene on foot, in
complete silence and exercising extreme caution.

5. Immediately attend to the injured, unless the other members of the patrol are in
immediate danger.

6. Focus all efforts to arrest criminals; however, priority shall be given to aiding the
injured.
7. Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the victim/complainant
and possible witnesses at the scene.

8. 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.

9. When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member should call for back-up
before intervening. If there are injuries and insufficient corroborative statements
obtained to identify who started the fight, disperse the crowd and make complete notes.

10. Never treat calls or complaints of loud noises caused by barking dogs, drunks,
appliances and parties as negligible a nuisance. They only need courteous and tactful
intervention and not enforcement actions.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Do not attempt to arbitrate and resolve conflicts/differences between neighbors,

landlords/tenants, husband and wife.

Spot Checks/ Accosting and Pat-Down Searches

Grounds for Spot Check/Search

1. 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:
a. The appearance or demeanor of the individual suggests that he is part of a ciminal
enterprise or is engaged in a criminal act;
b. The actions of the individual suggest that he is engaged in a criminal activity;
c. Questionable presence of the individual in the area;
d. The subject is carrying a suspicious object;
e. The suspect's clothing bulges in a manner that suggests he is carrying a weapon;
f. The suspect has been found in the time and place proximate to an alleged crime;
g. The police officer has knowledge of the suspect's prior criminal record or involvement
in criminal activity; and
h. The individual flees at the sight of a police officer.

2. 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:
a. The type of crime believed to be committed by the subject, particularly crimes of
violence where the threat of use or use of deadly weapon is involved;
b. Where the police officer handles several suspects;
c. The time of the day and the location where the patdown search took place;
d. Prior knowledge by the police officer of the suspect's use of force and/or propensity to
carry deadly weapons;
e. The appearance and demeanor of the suspect;
f. Visual indications suggesting that the suspect is carrying a firearm or other deadly
weapon; and
g. Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be performed by police officers of the
same gender.

Procedures and Guidelines

1. Spot Check/ Accosting
a. When approaching the individual, the police officer shall clearly identify himself as a
police officer. If not in uniform, the police officer must identify himself by announcing his
identity and displaying official identification card and/or badge.
b. Police officers shall be courteous at all times but maintain caution and remain vigilant
for suspicious movements like attempting to retrieve weapon, conceal or discard
contraband, or other similar actions.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.

2. 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:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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 suspects reach.
e. 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.

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 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 measure 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 Lieutenant;

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

motorist’s 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;

6. Security Sub-Team- tasked to provide security in the checkpoint area; and

7. Blocking/Pursuing Sub-Team - team tasked to block/pursue fleeing

suspects/vehicle.

Guidelines in the Conduct of 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 measure, 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
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 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 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 checkpoint.

13. The spokesperson must greet the people subject for inspection, extend apology for
the inconvenience, appeal for understanding and state the reasons of 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 Iegal 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 sub team 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
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 (HHOS) 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: Warning signs: (e.g., Slowdown Checkpoint
Ahead, Checkpoint 20 Meters Ahead, etc); and
Information signs: (Name of the Unit and TL).

4. 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;
5. Search/Arresting Sub-Team shall flag down suspected vehicles and conduct search,
seizure and arrest, if necessary;

6. 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;

7. Arrested persons and seized items shall be turned over to the investigation sub-team
for documentation and proper disposition;

8. 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;

9. Inform Higher Headquarters before terminating the conduct of Checkpoint;

10. The TL shall conduct debriefing of personnel after termination of the checkpoint;
and

11. 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; and

6. As soon as the Hasty Checkpoint is converted into a Regular Checkpoint, TL shall

follow the earlier stated procedures.
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; and

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:

1. 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;

2. State the reason(s) for the planned intervention of the suspected motor vehicle;

3. Give the mobile car's location and its direction before making actual intervention;

4. Try to get alongside the suspects' vehicle and check the occupants without alarming
them of your purpose. You can even overtake the vehicle and wait for it at an
advantageous location before stopping the suspects' vehicle;
5. Determine whether the suspects are hostile or not;

6. Make known to the suspect that you are after them through the use of a siren or
megaphone;

7. Instruct the diver to pull over or stop on the side of the road;

8. Park behind the suspect's vehicle at an appropriate distance and cautiously approach
the vehicle on the driver's side;

9. 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;

10. 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;

11. The other members of the team must be on guard for any eventuality while the
vehicle is being approached;
12. 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;
13. 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;

14. 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

15. 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:
1. Stopping Vehicles
a. Follow the procedure stated in numbers 1-3 in the earlier paragraph;
b. Immediately request for back-up;
c. Follow the suspect and always keep him within visual range;
d. Expect that the suspect will notice your action at any time. Be prepared for hot
pursuit or actual hostile confrontation;
e. If the back-up is already in the vicinity, inform Headquarters that you are
proceeding to accost the suspect;
f. 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;
g. Park at an appropriate distance behind the suspect's vehicle;
h. 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;
i. 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;
j. Direct the driver and other occupants of the vehicle not to make unnecessary
movements and to show their hands outside the car;
k. 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
l. If there are other suspects aside from the driver, separate them from one
another.

2. Fleeing Vehicles

a. 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;
b. 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;
c. State the reason(S) for flagging down the suspected motor vehicle;
d. Give mobile car's location and its direction before making actual intervention;
e. 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;
f. 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;
g. 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;
h. Arrest, handcuff and search the suspects and bring them to Headquarters for
proper disposition; and
i. Before moving out, inform Headquarters about the situation, status and
disposition of the suspects and motor vehicle accosted.

High-Risk Stop and High-Risk Arrest

1. 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 position.
c. Seal off the area and establish strong roadblocks/barricades.

2. Effecting a High Risk Stop

When effecting high-risk stop, the police officer shall:

a. Exert utmost effort to persuade the suspects to halt or stop their movement.
b. Start with the procedural conduct of regular warrantless arrest where arrest is
inevitable.
C. Ensure proper documentation of the process.
d. Respect the rights of all the persons involved.

3. During Violent Stage

The PNP shall strictly adhere to the PNP Operational Procedures (POP), particularly on
the use of force.