CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY PNP PERSONNEL IN
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMELEC CHECKPOINTS IN
ZAMBALES: THE CASE OF 2022 NATIONAL ELECTIONS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Master in Public Administration
Graduate School
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
Anthony G. Berdonar
January 2023
ii
Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales, Philippines
GRADUATE SCHOOL
The study hereto attached entitled:
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY PNP PERSONNEL IN
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMELEC CHECKPOINTS IN
ZAMBALES: THE CASE OF 2022 NATIONAL ELECTIONS
has been prepared and submitted by ANTHONY G. BERDONAR
is hereby recommended for oral examination.
ALLAN T. DELA PEÑA, DPA
Adviser
Approved by the Committee of Oral Examiners:
CECILIA GARSON, LLB, MAPols
Chairperson
JERRY S. CRISTOBAL, PhD
Member
JUAN A. ASUNCION JR, DBA
Member
Accepted and approved as a requirement for the Degree
Master in Public Administration
Approved:
MARIE FE D. DE GUZMAN, Ed.D
Director, Graduate School
January 22, 2023
Date of Oral Defense
iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Throughout the researcher's journey, many have supported and sacrificed such that
the researcher could finish this research study. They are as follows:
Dr. Allan T Dela Peña, his research adviser, for assuring that the corrections and
revisions would result in a better product in the end. The researcher is genuinely grateful
for the guidance and positive words of encouragement he has extended;
Dr. Marie Fe D. De Guzman, the Director of the Graduate School and his thesis
seminar professor, for the expertise she extended in preparing and writing the research in
a scholarly manner. The researcher is profoundly thankful for her unwavering support and
patience.
Dr. Cecilia Garson, the Chairperson of the Committee of Oral Examiners, for the
hard work she put into reviewing the materials and for sharing her insights to make the
study more scholarly. Truly an honor;
Dr. Jerry Cristobal and Dr. Jun Asuncion, the outstanding thesis committee, for
their suggestions and recommendations that significantly improved the manuscript's
contents. Their guidance and counsel kept the researcher focused on his goals;
To the Chiefs of Police of Subic, Castillejos, and San Marcelino for their assistance during
the administration of the research instrument;
To all police officers of Subic, Castillejos, and San Marcelino for their valuable
contribution as respondents of the present study;
To the researcher's wife and family for providing unfailing support, unconditional
love, and continuous encouragement throughout. This accomplishment would not have
been possible without them;
iv
And foremost, to our Almighty God for bestowing the researcher the love, wisdom,
and strength which kept him cherishing and valuing this undertaking.
AGB
v
ABSTRACT
This research study took an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of the
implementation of COMELEC checkpoints in Southern Zambales in securing a safe and
peaceful election. It was conducted among members of the PNP organization, specifically
in Subic, Castillejos, and San Marcelino, Zambales, and civilian motorists residing in the
same municipalities during the second and third week of November. This qualitative study
used a descriptive case study design, focused group discussion utilizing interview guide
questionnaires as a research instrument, and a thematic analysis method to analyze the data.
Through this research, it is discovered that the PNP personnel in the implementation
of the Comelec Checkpoint encountered some problems. This includes the limited number
of personnel, minor traffic violations, and disobedience, which they solved through the
help of force multipliers and appropriate actions against violators, respectively. Motorists
also agreed that police officers are competent and demonstrate good character during the
conduct of COMELEC checkpoints. Accordingly, through the PNP- COMELEC
checkpoint, police visibility was enhanced, which contributed to making the past election
safe and secure.
Moreover, the PNP-COMELEC checkpoint was concluded as one of the
contributory factors for the safe and peaceful election last May 2022. However, it was
recommended that the PNP review its deployment and recruitment to address the problem
of the lack of personnel and better collaborations with partner agencies to educate the
public regarding traffic rules and violations for a more successful election.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE
i
APPROVAL SHEET
ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
iii
ABSTRACT
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
vi
LIST OF FIGURES
ix
CHAPTER
1
2
INTRODUCTION
Background
1
Significance of the Study
2
Statement of the Problem
4
Scope and Limitations
4
FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY
3
Review of Literature and Related Studies
6
Theoretical Underpinnings
15
Conceptual Framework
17
Definition of Terms
18
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
21
Data Procedure
23
Data Analysis and Technique
24
vii
4
5
Credibility of Result
24
Research Ethical Consideration
25
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Challenges Encountered by the PNP personnel in the
implementation of COMELEC Checkpoints.
26
Motorists’ Experiences with the PNP Personnel during
Checkpoints
30
Overcoming the challenges in the implementation of
COMELEC Checkpoint
33
Role of COMELEC Checkpoint in securing a safe and
peaceful election
38
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
43
Recommendations
44
REFERENCES
47
APPENDICES
Appendix A – Demographic Profile of Respondents
49
Appendix B – Interview Guide Questions
54
Appendix C – Transcript of The Interview with Police
Officers Assigned in San Marcelino, Zambales.
56
Appendix D – Transcript of The Interview with Police
Officers Assigned in Castillejos, Zambales.
58
Appendix E – Transcript of The Interview with Police
Officers Assigned in Subic, Zambales.
61
Appendix F – Transcript of The Interview with Motorists in
Southern Zambales.
63
viii
Appendix G – Transcript of The Interview with Key
Informant
Appendix H – Informed Consent of Participants
Appendix I – Certificate of Appearance to Police Stations
CURRICULUM VITAE
66
68
73
76
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
No.
Page
1
Research Paradigm
17
2
Figural Representation of Effectivity of the Implementation
of the PNP COMELEC Checkpoint in Southern Zambales
49
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Police service is a vital aspect of society. PNP is a community and service-oriented
agency mainly responsible for keeping public safety and order. But with the emergence of
COVID-19, our police personnel are part of those affected by its effects, especially the
police services aspects. In this regard, the police personnel is at risk of criminal and civil
deviants and vulnerable to the virus brought by the pandemic. The Philippine National
Police (PNP) has seen and been through the most taxing issues that have threatened the
entire organization several times. Owning to a dropping public perception and a
performance that was considered its' lowest, staying afloat was not easy. With police inefficiency reports hurting most men in uniform, the top leaders had to press on a work-inprogress transformation to reclaim their rightful seat as the people's protector, mandated in
Republic Act (RA) 6975 as amended by RA 8551.
Today, Philippine society is facing many problems and issues in the economic,
social, and political aspects. As different situations arise, like terrorism, poverty,
bureaucracies, and other socio-political and socio-economic issues happening today in our
country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is still the one people look up to as the
institution that could at least safeguard its citizens. Our constitution mandates the PNP to
protect the welfare of every citizenry.
The police organization is created to serve and protect. It presupposes living its best
to achieve its mission and vision through the organization's members by utilizing skills,
knowledge, and techniques in performing their duties and responsibilities. The PNP is
2
tasked with enforcing the law, preventing crimes, maintaining peace and order, and
ensuring public safety and internal security with the community's support.
Significantly, this research will focus on the implementation of the PNP
COMELEC checkpoint in securing a safe and peaceful election in Southern Zambales.
Given the related studies and literature reviewed by the researchers, this study will set foot
on the localization of an in-depth analysis of the research gap identified by the researcher.
Various types of research showed the level of effects of PNP checkpoints. However,
attention has not been given, especially to the in-depth analysis of the implementation of
the PNP COMELEC checkpoint, especially in the localized context, such as in Southern
Zambales. The realization that this study contributes to new knowledge and the existing
literature on each of the topics covered in this study. Relevant information, findings, and
results of the study will provide insights. It will be beneficial to the police force since this
study will help them gain an understanding and awareness of the duty they have to carry
as protectors of the people and the state.
Significance of the Study
This study offers a significant contribution to the body of knowledge, especially in
conducting an in-depth analysis of the PNP COMELEC checkpoint in securing a safe and
peaceful election in Southern Zambales concerning election-related violence,
implementation of gun ban, and crime volume.
This study will benefit the PNP because it can serve as a basis for an action to be
developed and a response regarding the rules and regulations during the COMELEC
checkpoint implementations. Thus, this will highlight the importance of checkpoints for
ensuring public safety and discouraging street criminal activity. However, such
3
checkpoints should not bother or frighten individuals but offer them a genuine sense of
protection and security.
Also, this research is necessary for COMELEC to consolidate resolutions on the
criteria for the installation and operation of COMELEC checkpoints, as well as instructions
for the preliminary inspection of violations of the ban on bearing, carrying, or transporting
firearms or other lethal weapons.
Further, his study will benefit the LGU because it will serve as a basis for LGU
Officials to promulgate laws and resolutions that will further strengthen the rules and
procedures for implementing COMELEC checkpoints in the respective localities.
Additionally, this study will benefit police officers in a way that they will be aware
and will be informed of the effectiveness of implementing COMELEC checkpoints as well
as the observance of proper rules and procedures when checking will be improved and
developed.
Moreover, this study will give a glimpse and idea to the criminology students of
the proper protocol and procedure when implementing COMELEC checkpoints and how
it will be effective.
Lastly, this study may be used as a basis for future research. Any results and ideas
herein will be a springboard for future researchers' modification and development of
research.
4
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to undertake an in-depth analysis regarding the effectiveness of
PNP COMELEC checkpoints in Zambales. Specifically, this study sought to answers to
the following question:
Central Question
How effective is COMELEC Checkpoint in securing a safe and peaceful election?
Research Question
1. What are the challenges encountered by the PNP personnel in implementing
COMELEC Checkpoints in Zambales during the 2022 national election?
2. What are the experiences of the motorists with the PNP personnel during
checkpoints?
3. How did the PNP personnel overcome the challenges in implementing COMELEC
Checkpoints?
4. How did the COMELEC Checkpoint help in securing a safe and peaceful 2022
national elections?
Limitations of the Study
This study aims to explore, tackle, and discuss the implementation of the PNP
COMELEC checkpoint in securing a safe and peaceful election in southern Zambales. The
experiences in implementing the COMELEC checkpoint are the objective to be explored,
especially on how these were affected and implemented during the election process. The
research also intends to collect new information or understandings these police personnel
experienced as checkpoint PNP assigned personnel.
5
The limitations of this study include the conclusions based on the experiences of
police personnel local populace in Southern Zambales. The researcher chose the location
due to its closeness and convenience of access. The researcher picked participants from
among those willing and able to participate. Although these aspects must be addressed
before generalizing the findings to all police personnel nationwide, the data collection and
analysis methodology supports the results and accurately reflects this group's experiences.
Since the sample population originated from civilians and PNP personnel who were
previously assigned to COMELEC checkpoints in Zambales and consisted of a few police
officers from a specific range of police task forces, the study's particular findings will have
limited generalizability. These constraints stem from collecting data through interview
questionnaires and the desire to capture police collective experiences and perspectives.
This is not a flaw in the study but instead demonstrates the fundamental character of
qualitative research, which seeks dense and complex descriptions of collective experiences.
Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents the literature and studies relevant to the research undertaking
derived from theses/dissertations, books, journals, the internet, and other reference
materials.
COMELEC Checkpoint
The safety of one's life and property is a fundamental human right and crucial to a
community's general quality of life (Cacayorin et al., 2019). People envision a world in
which they actively contribute to peace and progress, promoting social integration as they
seek unity in diversity through social justice. Nonetheless, the rising of violence is a
worldwide issue. Individuals and communities have been significantly impacted by crime,
which has substantial and diverse costs. Its victims endure tremendous physical, material,
mental, and emotional distress (Adora et al., 2018).
The Philippines has not been spared from violence, especially during the election
period. During this period, the growing tide of criminality has hampered the usual
operations of government entities, according to Daniel et al. (2018). The Philippine
National Police (PNP) has implemented a series of measures to combat this concern.
Creating COMELEC checkpoints to ensure a safe and peaceful election is one of these
measures.
Checkpoints are necessary to sustain public safety and reduce street crime. PNP
(2015) defines checkpoints as the undertaking of at least two-hour police checks of
vehicular and pedestrian traffic by a minimum 8-man complement in a place usually
considered a chokepoint or crime hotspot to enforce control measures, laws, ordinances,
7
and other regulations; police stations shall be required to organize a minimum of 3 teams
and conduct simultaneous checkpoints within an 8- or 12-hour shift. In addition,
checkpoints must not cause inconvenience nor frighten the populace. They should instead
provide a genuine sense of safety and security (PNP, 2013).
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been deputized by the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC) to efficiently implement various COMELEC Resolutions about the
conduct of elections to accomplish safe, accurate, free, and fair elections. In addition, the
PNP is supposed to provide a genuine sense of security through these checkpoints.
The COMELEC acknowledges the need for adequate checkpoints to enforce the
firearms ban during election periods. At the same time, disseminating guidelines and
instructions regarding the creation of checkpoints should comply with the Philippine
National Police's existing rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures. In
addition, they were establishing the same guarantees that no political, civil, or human rights
be violated.
In accordance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10741, each city/municipality
should establish at least one (1) COMELEC checkpoint. In coordination with the Election
Officer (EO) with authority over the city/municipality, additional checkpoints, including
those from other PNP/AFP commands outside the city or municipality, shall be established.
The locations of these checkpoints are posted in the offices of the Executive Officer (EO),
Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and
whenever possible, notices are distributed to local non-government organizations, civil
society groups, and members of the media.
8
Accordingly, every COMELEC offense is punishable by imprisonment for a
minimum of one year and a maximum of six years without the possibility of probation. The
individual found guilty shall also be disqualified from holding public office and deprived
of the ability to vote. Together with its partner agencies, the PNP has excellent aspirations
for conducting secure, fair, and orderly elections.
Effect of PNP COMELEC Checkpoints
Nearly all countries in the world today hold an election. Theoretically, using
elections to choose leaders should provide a peaceful alternative to using force to arbitrate
between competing claims to rule, and it should be a process that gives individuals a more
significant say in how their country is governed. However, these expectations rarely align
with reality in practice. Elections undertaken outside of established democracies are
frequently accompanied by severe violence, despite the purpose of facilitating peaceful
power transfers. In a matter of days or weeks, electoral violence can result in casualty
counts that exceed the threshold for civil war; when this occurs, it can erase years of
peacebuilding and development efforts, damage democratic institutions, and possibly
initiate civil war (Birch et al., 2020).
Given this, various scholars and policymakers are concerned about conducting
elections to such an extent that, ideally, no electoral violence would be reported.
Accordingly, this calls for the necessity to safeguard the election process and formulate
laws to reduce the use of firearms (Birch & Muchlinski, 2017). To effectively accomplish
this, the electoral process should be governed by the conduct of checkpoints throughout
the country (Centre for Public Impact, 2016).
In a survey conducted in 2010 to assess public confidence in the initiative to
safeguard the election, Social Weather Stations, the polling organization, reported that 75%
9
of respondents in its survey were satisfied with the general conduct of the elections in 2010.
The poll indicated that the COMELEC, through its intensified checkpoint operations, had
made significant progress toward restoring trust and credibility in the electoral process.
Moreover, the polling group said that 74% of respondents were satisfied with the
terms of the peace and order situation, 84% were pleased with the performance of the
national police, and 82% were pleased with the Philippine National Police’s performance
during the elections (Scharff, 2011). However, the impact of the initiatives in the 2010
presidential elections, gauged by a poll researched and released by the research group
Social Weather Stations, had no continuous and consistent measuring of the impact. Thus,
no, recent data was reported, especially on the perceived effectiveness of PNP COMELEC
checkpoints to this date.
Meanwhile, some observers have referred election as an existential struggle for the
nation's soul due to its exceptionally high stakes. During the most recent election period in
the Philippines, the government deputized over 270,000 police and military personnel to
combat election-related violence. Election-related violence is defined as an incident
involving candidates, their supporters, or their families with the intent to disrupt or
influence the election process (Fajardo, 2020).
During the 2022 national election, there were 53 election-related violent incidents,
as compared to 133 election-related violent incidents in 2016. Since the previous
presidential election campaign, there was a relative fall in the rate of violence, although it
remained considerably high.
Meanwhile, in terms of the implementation of a gun ban, law enforcers also conduct
checkpoint operations in strategic locations to maintain peaceful national and local
10
elections. The PNP, together with other agencies, is ready to protect all vital installations,
economic key points, and other places of convergence. The public is then called to be
vigilant at all times to prevent unscrupulous individuals and lawless elements from taking
advantage of the election season (Carlos, 2022, as cited by Caliwan, 2022).
Carlos (2022) added that the PNP headquarters, through the Directorate for
Operations, has instructed Police Regional Offices to set up joint PNP-Commission on
Election-Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP-COMELEC-AFP) checkpoints to
implement weapons check and other anti-crime and police security operations, against
loose firearms, lethal weapons, unauthorized security personnel, private armed groups
(PAGs), criminal elements, and wanted persons. In places with an Alert Level of 3 or
above, checkpoints may be co-located with existing Quarantine and Border Control Points.
In accordance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10728, the PNP has suspended the
validity of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) given to licensed
firearm holders, legal entities, and government law enforcement personnel. Under this
resolution, all PNP-issued PTCFOR gun-carrying permits are suspended for the length of
the entire election period.
Permits issued by the PNP to carry weapons, ammunition, explosives, public
displays of firearms and exhibits, as well as the employment of security staff for VIPs, are
also suspended. During the whole election time, only authorized police, military, and
personnel of government law enforcement organizations in full uniform and while
performing official duties are permitted to carry firearms. The COMELEC's Committee on
Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns can provide exemptions from the COMELEC's
firearms ban.
11
Consequently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed 3,416 violations
of the election gun ban so far as of the ban’s last day of the 2022 election. This figure is a
drop from the last election season when the PNP documented 4,661 violations of the
election firearms ban (Gutierrez, 2022).
Taking everything into account, according to the COMELEC, the election period
checkpoints resulted in this decline where a significant drop in the number of arrests of
people, crime rate, and the discovery of guns was reported.
Problems Encountered During the Implementation of COMELEC Checkpoints
Elections in the Philippines have frequently been marked by high levels of violence.
Clearly, the electoral process needed to be reformed and devoid of violence and corruption
(Centre for Public Impact, 2016). With this, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been
deputized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to carry out the efficient
implementation of various COMELEC Resolutions pertaining to the conduct of elections
in an effort to accomplish safe, accurate, free, and fair elections.
With the passing of RA 8551, which allowed for the rationalized distribution of
personnel to maximize personnel deployment in the street and communities, the nation's
national leaders sought to further enhance police service and institute real reforms,
modernization, and reorganization of the PNP. The law included complimentary benefits
to improve each police officer's and policewoman's quality of life in order to support this
tactical formula. The nature of law enforcement's duties in maintaining public order and
how these duties are carried out are established in the Philippine National Police Law
Enforcement Manual. These duties have a direct bearing on people's quality of life as well
12
as on society at large. Being aware of the crucial work that law enforcement officers do,
but also of the potential for abuse that can result from the performance of their duties.
According to Scharff (2011), the familial structure of Philippine politics was one
of several causes that drove violent rivalries and continuous bloodshed during each
electoral cycle. Almost all elected officials, from the president to village councilors,
originated from families with substantial political backgrounds. There was a sense of
entitlement because members of the same family had occupied elected and appointed
offices for decades. An entrenched patronage system, in which politicians exchanged gifts
and favors for votes, produced ardent supporters who were willing to resort to unethical
means, including violence, to guarantee their benefactors were kept in power.
In addition, several leaders developed their own private armies by mobilizing and
arming their supporters to defend themselves or engage in violence. Political violence is a
persistent problem in the country, exacerbated by ineffective law enforcement and
entrenched political dynasties, some of whom have their own private armies (France-Presse
et al., 2016).
Another problem noted in relation to the implementation of PNP COMELEC
checkpoint operations is corruption in the armed forces and international arms smuggling,
which made it easy to purchase pistols and other weaponry on the illicit market.
Furthermore, weak licensing requirements made it easy for civilians to carry firearms
legally. San Juan, a senior program officer with the International Foundation for Electoral
Systems, an elections technical assistance firm, revealed that several politicians organized
and armed their supporters to form their own private armies. He continued by stating that
13
the private armies functioning on behalf of the political dynasties are what Filipino
politicians have.
In addition, figuring out how to get the national armed forces and national police to
cooperate with COMELEC has been a challenging task over the past few years.
Historically, the police and military forces conducted elections as separate institutions and
frequently argued over their respective duties and responsibilities (Karp, 2017). Dennis
Ausan, the regional COMELEC representative for Region 6, remembered, "In the past,
there was no clear separation of forces on the field, particularly in rural places. The
COMELEC field people would call the national police to take care of something, and the
national police would respond, "No, it's within the sphere of responsibility of the armed
forces," and vice versa.
Nonetheless, during the last election, the COMELEC, armed forces, and national
police successfully coordinated to implement the program to increase election security.
Because the national police were already strained thin, the armed forces deployed
additional soldiers for checkpoint duties (Caliwan, 2022).
Synthesis
As the Philippines has not been spared from the incidence of violence and crimes
during the election period, which have hampered the usual operations of government
entities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been deputized by the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC) to carry out the efficient implementation of various COMELEC
Resolutions pertaining to the conduct of elections in an effort to accomplish safe, accurate,
free, and fair elections.
14
The COMELEC acknowledges the need for checkpoints to adequately enforce the
firearms ban during election periods. At the same time, the dissemination of guidelines and
instructions regarding the creation of checkpoints should be in compliance with the
Philippine National Police's existing rules, regulations, and Standard Operating
Procedures. In addition, the establishment of the same guarantees that no political, civil, or
human rights be violated.
However, there are several causes that drove violent rivalries and continuous
bloodshed during each electoral cycle, as well as in the conduct of COMELEC checkpoints.
Among others, these include the familial structure of Philippine politics, leaders'
development of their own private armies by mobilizing and arming their supporters to
defend themselves or engage in violence, corruption in the armed forces and international
arms smuggling, and weak licensing requirements.
Nevertheless, with the PNP’s strict implementation of COMELEC checkpoints,
there was a relative fall in the rate of violence, although it remained considerably high.
Meanwhile, in terms of the implementation of the gun ban, law enforcers also conduct
checkpoint operations in strategic locations to maintain peaceful national and local
elections. The PNP, together with other agencies, is ready to protect all vital installations,
economic key points, and other places of convergence.
Overall, according to the COMELEC, the election period checkpoints resulted in a
significant drop in the number of arrests of people, crime rate, and the discovery of guns
reported.
15
Theoretical Underpinnings
This study uses the Cosmopolitan Theoretical Approach to peace operations. The
term first came from Stoics’ philosophical idea that cosmopolitanism refers to two main
aspects: a thesis about identity and a thesis about responsibility. Björkdahl (2005) describes
cosmopolitanism as a political alternative to nationalism, and its cosmopolitan values laid
emphasis on political inclusivity and accountability and strongly opposed identity politics
and other ideologies that promote political exclusivity. Cosmopolitanism has gained
interest as an alternative approach to dealing with many of the security threats of the
contemporary world that cannot be solved within national borders. Some of these threats
include international terrorism, transnational crime, the proliferation of small arms, light
weapons, weapons of mass destruction, human rights violations, and violent conflicts
(Kaldor 1999, 2002). All the mentioned security threats are present during the election
period. For that reason, the government has mandated security and peace operations during
the election period to avoid threats in society.
To prevent election- related violence, the Zambales Police Provincial Office
(ZPPO) implemented 24- hour checkpoint operations all over the province. Police Officers
are deployed at different checkpoints to ensure peace and order. Further, it is the
responsibility of every Police Officer to enforce the law through the conduct of
checkpoints.
Cosmopolitan values are believed by scholars to contribute to the prevention of
violent conflict by undermining support for extremists, ultra-nationalists, fundamentalists,
and other exclusive ideologies that may cause political tensions and eventually violent
conflicts. Cosmopolitan value highlights the spread of norms that secure human rights,
16
democratic freedoms, and social justice. In that sense, cosmopolitan values are derived
from a humanist, universalist context. Thomas Pogge (1992) introduced three values under
the approaches of cosmopolitanism. First, individualism is the fundamental unit of concern
for human beings, in contrast to collectives such as tribes, family lines, ethnic, cultural, or
religious communities, nations, or states. The second element is universality which refers
to the equal status of all living human beings regardless of gender, race, and other factors
that differentiate humans. The last element is a generality, and this status possesses global
force, meaning that human beings are the "ultimate units of concern for everyone." In the
case of the PNP, checkpoints during the election period are one way to prevent conflict and
secure a safe and peaceful election.
Moreover, the norm pertaining to conflict prevention is observed to possess
cosmopolitan characteristics. The attachment of this norm to peace and security operations
may specifically contribute to the prevention of violent conflict. International law, laws of
war, and international human rights law are all created for the protection of humans against
harm, such as gross violation of human rights and violent conflicts. Going back to
cosmopolitan values, it was emphasized there that one of its functions is the protection of
human rights and for the citizens to be accountable for their actions which are similar to
peace operations conducted during elections and other political events.
“The promotion of human rights is not just a form of international social work. It
is indispensable for our safety and well-being because governments that fail to respect the
rights of their own citizens will in all likelihood also not respect the rights of others”
(Albright in Beck 2002).
17
Further, the implementation of the PNP COMELEC Checkpoint is applied in
members of society specifically in Zambales regardless of age, gender, and social status.
Thus, the cosmopolitan theory was used to guide this study.
Conceptual Framework
Figure1: Research Paradigm
The figure shows how safe and peaceful elections can be achieved through the
conduct of PNP COMELEC Checkpoints. During the election period in the Philippines,
the PNP intensified its checkpoint operations and strictly implemented a ban on all licenses
allowing civilians to carry firearms and explosives.
Relatively, it is normal for police officers to encounter different problems when
conducting checkpoints. This may include civilian resistance, armed groups, and others.
Although our police are trained to handle such situations, the probability that these
circumstances may happen is still present, and when it happens, the events that may take
place are unpredictable. It can lead to apprehension, arrests, or, worse, death. Similarly, the
stakeholders and the civilian’s role in the safety and peacefulness of the election period is
18
important since they are the ones who are subjected to the checkpoints. Their experiences
with police officers who are conducting checkpoints may indicate the effectiveness of the
operation. They are the only ones who can give feedback and critics on how effective or
ineffective the operation was.
Given the many challenges that may have arisen during checkpoint operations,
police officers are still mandated to address these problems. They must use their knowledge
of the law, resourcefulness, and critical thinking to overcome such. And when these
problems are given solutions, it may improve motorists' experience and eventually lead to
a safe and peaceful election.
Through this paradigm, law enforcers and public administration students may be
able to identify errors and lapses both within the PNP organization and the local public
which can help develop better policies and areas of studies in the future.
Definition of Terms
This section provides operational definition of the terms used in this study that may
help readers understand how each term was used in this study.
Challenges in this study refers to the problems encountered by the PNP during the
conduct of checkpoints
Checkpoint in this study, it refers to the Zambales Police Provincial office
checkpoint operations.
COMELEC or the Commission on Elections is a constitutional commission in
charged with the enforcement of laws and regulations relative to elections.
Community in this research is used as a group of people living in the same place
or having a particular characteristic in common.
19
Election in this study refers to the 2022 national and local elections.
Firearms mean any deadly weapon with a barrel and a firing mechanism that can
propel projectiles and cause harm to others.
Force Multipliers pertains to civilian employees that helps maintain peace and
order in a locality, this may include Barangay Tanod, Traffic Management Groups and the
like.
Election-related violence in this study means violent incidents relative to the
election period that may be politically induced.
Gun ban, in this study, is the suspension of permits for all gun owners to carry their
firearms outside of their residences.
Inter-organizational in this research means mutual togetherness and collaborative
acting of respective duties with other organizations (PNP offices).
Intra-Organizational in this research means within an organization. In this study,
this means that the police officers are collaborating and working together.
PNP means the Philippine National Police, an organization in charged in law
enforcement and the maintenance of peace and order.
Police Officer in this research means the members of the Zambales Police
Provincial Office.
Policing in this study refers to the duty enacted by the police officers in his/her
service for the maintenance of law and order in the community.
Pandemic in this research refers to a prevailing disease/virus that affects the whole
community, country, or globally.
20
Relations In this study means the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or
people are connected; a thing's effect on or relevance to another.
Safety In this study refers to the state of being safe; freedom from the possibility
of hurt, danger, or loss of the ability to avoid or minimize injury, danger, or loss of a devise
or mechanism used to avoid injury.
Southern Zambales in this study refers to the municipality of Subic, Castillejos,
and San Marcelino in Zambales.
Chapter III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter will discuss how the research method was used in the study, what types
of respondent characteristics were observed, how the research instrument was developed
and validated, and how the data was collected. In addition, it features a section on ethical
considerations and concerns.
Research Design
This study is qualitative research that utilized a descriptive case study design to
understand the experiences of civilians and police officers who implemented the PNP
COMELEC Checkpoints. This police operation is intensified during the election period to
enforce the ban and suspension of all licenses and permits to carry, transport, or purchase
firearms and explosives during the election period, mainly to reduce electoral violence.
This study touched on the lived experiences of those who implemented the checkpoint and
those subjected to it. It shows how the police officers overcome the challenges they’ve met
during the implementation of the checkpoint and the perception of the civilians who passed
through it. The descriptive case study was used to explain the experiences of both sides to
determine the effectiveness of such PNP operations in the safety and peacefulness of the
last National and Local Election. A qualitative approach is appropriate for this study to
have a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the PNP COMELEC Checkpoint,
specifically in the southern part of Zambales.
Moreover, it is also because the study does not involve quantifiable variables.
Qualitative research is an in-depth study of non-quantifiable phenomena such as human
22
experiences and behaviors; it is empirical research where the data are not numbers (Punch,
1998). The qualitative research will consist of three parts.
First, a focus group discussion with at least NINE police officers who had
experienced implementing PNP COMELEC Checkpoints was conducted to obtain
information about the problems encountered during the operation and how they were
solved.
Second, a key informant interview with the residents of Zambales who are
subjected to the checkpoint operations of the police force was conducted to obtain their
opinions and perception about the operation of the police force.
Specifically, the study aims to have an in-depth descriptive and explanatory
analysis of the effectiveness of PNP COMELEC Checkpoints in Southern Zambales. This
design helped the study in exploring the problems encountered by the police and the
perception of the public with the police and its operation.
The study also used open-ended questions (see appendix A, p. 51-52) to allow the
respondents to provide more information. Additionally, this helped the researcher to
understand unfamiliar topics.
Research Sample
For this study, there were 15 participants, composed of nine police officers, five
civilian participants, and one civilian key informant. The participants were chosen through
purposive sampling. It must be noted that the primary consideration in purposive sampling
is the researcher’s judgment as to who can provide accurate information in order to achieve
the objectives of the study. This type of sampling is useful when a researcher wants to
construct a historical reality, describe a phenomenon, or develop something about which
23
only a little is known (Kumar, 2005). In this study, the police officers will be those who
experienced implementing the COMELEC checkpoint, and the civilian participants who
are residents of Zambales who often pass through this checkpoint operations.
Data Procedure
The data collection process is one of the vital aspects of undertaking research. This
part presents and discusses the process of collecting data- step by step. All the data in this
study was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions.
Data collection, in the form of focused group discussion and individual interviews,
took place in a step-by-step, prescribed manner. Individual interviews and focused group
discussion were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Nine of the fifteen
participants were police officers, five were motorists at various PNP COMELEC
checkpoints, and one was a resident described as a key informant. Each individual
interview lasted for a length of time between 45 and 60 minutes. The interviews were
conducted between the last week of November to the first week of December, 2022.
Each individual interview took place at a time and place of the participant’s
choosing. All police personnel chose to have their interviews take place during their duties
in the police stations, and motorist participants were chosen at random at the designated
parking places along the road.
Before each individual interview, the researcher reviewed the purpose of the study,
the reason they had been selected for study participation, and how data would be collected
and used. The researcher also provided an opportunity for participants to ask any questions
or voice any concerns before interview questions were asked. Prior to the start of the
24
interview, each participant read and signed a consent form confirming their participation
(see Appendix G).
Data gathering used field notes and an audio recorder. Written consent to audiotaped interviews was obtained from the participants. The use of an audio recorder and field
notes captured the behavior and oral interview. Behavioral observation gave information
about their body language. The audio tapes were transcribed word for word. Following
each interview, field notes were used to record immediate impressions and reflections. The
researcher ensured that all gathered information was treated with the utmost confidentiality
and was analyzed based on the process of thematic analysis.
Data Analysis and Technique
This study utilized the thematic analysis method, which according to Braun and
Clarke, is the process of identifying themes within qualitative data. The goal of thematic
analysis is to identify themes (examples and patterns) in the data that are important or
interesting and use these themes to address the research or say something about an issue.
Credibility of the Result
The term qualitative validity refers to the researcher's use of specific methods to
ensure the accuracy of the results, while qualitative reliability refers to the researcher's
methodology of being consistent among different researchers and ventures (Gibbs, 2007).
It helped to determine if the findings were accurate from the standpoint of the researcher
and the participants (Creswell & Miller, 2000). Using member checking, the accuracy of
the qualitative findings was determined (Creswell, 2007). Participants had the chance to
give comments on the analysis of data and clarify any misconceptions. This gave an
opportunity to the participants to review the results of the emerged themes for accuracy. It
25
was the most important way to improve the trustworthiness of the qualitative research
findings
Research Ethical Consideration
To be consistent with research ethics, consent was provided to the interviewees. In
any case, where the informants wished for anonymity, pseudonyms or alias were used.
Small tokens were also given to the informants for their cooperation.
Chapter IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The purpose of this descriptive case study design was to take an in depth look at
regarding the effectiveness of PNP COMELEC checkpoints in Zambales. The study
centered on the problems encountered and overcoming challenges of the PNP personnel,
the experiences of the motorists from the COMELEC checkpoint conducted and its effect
in securing a safe and peaceful election. Themes presented in this chapter were derived
from data collected from a face-to-face open-ended interview, and observations conducted
in the preparation of May 2022 local and national election.
1. Challenges Encountered in the implementation of Checkpoint
This study was able to identify the challenges encountered in the implementation
of checkpoints, which encompass two (2) categories. The first challenge they encountered
was the lack of police officers, which shows that for a checkpoint to successfully operate,
it needed a sufficient number of personnel. The second challenge that appeared in this study
is the motorist itself. The motorist themselves is the second issue that this study identified.
It was clear that one obstacle to the operation of checkpoints was the motorists'
unwillingness to cooperate.
1.1 Lack of Police Officers
Personnel are difficult to locate due to many tasks because PNP officers are
deployed everywhere aside from other functions given to them. Others have special
assignments, while others must report. While preparations for the introduction of
COMELEC checkpoints have been made, the staffing process remains problematic due to
a scarcity of police personnel. As a result, various shifts of available people are being
27
performed to satisfy the needs of the COMELEC checkpoint. Due to a lack of police
officers, there have been multi-tasking of the duties being carried out to meet the demands
of the COMELEC checkpoint. In which did not meet the minimum personnel with the cited
definition of PNP (2015) that checkpoints undertake at least two-hour police checks of
vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by a minimum 8-man complement in a location typically
considered a chokepoint or crime hotspot to enforce control measures, laws, ordinances,
and other regulations. It was described by one PNP officer (P4) as he stated,
“Ang na- encounter nating problema sir sa pag coconduct ng checkpoint
operation with regards po sa PNP is yung kakulangan po natin ng tao, yung iba
po nag mumulti- tasking at yung iba po ay di na nakukumpleto yung team ng
checkpoint pag nag coconduct ng checkpoint. Usually po yun po yun problema
natin. Kahit hindi po COMELEC Checkpoint or anti- Criminality Checkpoint, yun
po talaga yung problema.” (P4)
1.2 Uncooperative Motorist
The COMELEC checkpoint encountered uncooperative motorists during its
implementation. Police officers directed the driver to put their vehicles on the side roads
for inspection, but they refused to move and instead drove aggressively to escape any
necessary violations. According to authorities, drivers are reluctant to be pulled over for
having expired licenses, the proper registration for their vehicles, or for driving while
intoxicated.
Hence, the majority of citations were issued for unlicensed driving and automobiles
with expired registration documents. Minor offenses of traffic citations were issued to
motorists that are not labeled substantial or serious infractions such as violations include
speeding, failing to wear a helmet, failing to yield, and failing to obey traffic regulations.
As stated by one PNP officer (P7),
28
“Yung mga motorista sir na iba mga nakainom at mga pasaway po. Yun po yung
mga problemang naencounter naming nung kasagsagan ng COMELEC checkpoint
sir.” (P7)
1.3 Minor Traffic Violations
Participants’ responses provided evidence about the minor violations that police
officers encountered at a checkpoint. It appeared that unlicensed drivers, unregistered
vehicles, and motorists were caught with no helmets on. These violations may appear
minor, but they can pose danger or risk to motorists and other people.
Motorists were advised that whenever they see a checkpoint, especially during the
night, they should already switch off their vehicle lights so that the uniformed men could
easily see them. In addition, the police and army were also advised not to include the
inspection of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination card thus there should
be a separate checkpoint for the inspection of the Covid-19 vaccination card among
motorists because it is not a mandate of the Comelec and to avoid inconvenience when it
comes to traffic.
1.3.1 Unlicensed Drivers
In Zambales, sobriety COMELEC checks are mainly located on major
thoroughfares and national highways. During the national COMELEC checkpoint,
drivers were caught in a range of offence. Several motorcycle drivers and car
owners were screened by officers throughout the program's implementation. Police
officers asked for driver’s licences at checkpoints because doing so helped remove
another kind of unsafe motorist from the road.
The majority of citation tickets were issued for unlicensed driving and
vehicles with out-of-date registration records. Minor offenses are thus most other
29
traffic tickets motorists receive that are not deemed significant or serious offenses.
Minor infractions include things like speeding, not wearing a helmet, failing to
yield, and failing to follow traffic laws.
1.3.2 Unregistered Vehicles
At every checkpoint, vehicles and motorcycles were stopped by PNP
personnel to check if there was any possible traffic violation. There was some
questioning by the officer to determine if some drivers were under the influence of
liquor, had pertinent papers, helmets, or had a driver's license or if they were
possessing illegal guns and drugs.
Police officer made random vehicle stops along the highway to see whether
drivers were licensed. Officers in the checkpoint stopped every vehicle, or every
other vehicle, merely asked to see license and registration documents, and allowed
licensed drivers to proceed after a very brief detention. During the operation,
unregistered motorcycles and vehicles were also seized. Some drivers said that the
epidemic had forced them to put off registering their own vehicles, according to
police authorities.
In addition, it was described by one PNP officer (P1) as he stated,
“Sa amin sir ang pinakamadalas pag nag coconduct kami ng checkpoint
sir, sa mga naka motor, ang initial violation palagi sir e wala silang helmet, and
then sir pag na flagged down namin sir then may Nakita kamming violation, tulad
ng mga walang papel yung mga motor. Yung iba naman di nadala ang mga
dokumento nila, mga OR/CR”. (P1)
Another from the response of PNP officer (P4) that,
“Usually sir ang pinakamadalas nan aba- violate nila sir is not wearing
helmet at tsaka wala silang pertinent documents like OR/CR tsaka ang mga motor
vehicle nila is unregistered. Yun lang naman sirang kalimitang violations na nabaviolate during checkpoint operations.”(P4)
30
1.3.3 No Helmet
Uniformed police officers in the checkpoint stopped every approaching
motorcycle drivers not wearing their helmet including those back rides. They asked
these drivers to pulled over and be directed to the side for further investigation or
brief inspection on their license and motorcycle papers. Even if the infraction was
evident, situations like this happen frequently. Police officers issued citation tickets
for motorcycle drivers with violation for not wearing their helmet and reoriented
with determined road traffic regulations and guidelines.
2. Motorists’ Experiences with the PNP Personnel during Checkpoints
This study was able to determine the experiences of motorists with PNP personnel
during checkpoints, wherein the participants shared different levels of involvement. The
participants expressed that the PNP was considerate to motorists and competent towards
their duty during checkpoints. On the contrary, some of the participants shared that they
experienced discrimination from the police personnel, and they were lenient to other
motorists because they were not performing their duties well.
2.1 Polite and Courteous Police Officer
As time goes on, society evolves and becomes more complex. It is obvious that
police officers must be prepared to respond to these developments in a thorough, intelligent
manner while maintaining the utmost respect and integrity. Communities would crumble
if police were given less power or had their authority limited. If police personnel fail to
carry out their duties as law enforcers, crime is likely to rise. If the police overlook the
importance of good character, crime will totally take over with their conceivable
31
involvement in anything. If there were no police or if their numbers were reduced,
everything would be out of control.
Moreover, the problem of civil liability has further complicated the sphere of law
enforcement. Police personnel are held to greater standards than the majority of the
population. When they fail to satisfy these criteria, the consequences can be severe; choices
made by police officers in a "split second" are scrutinized and dissected by courts for
months or years. In some cases, the police are required to pay punitive damages and
administrative penalties.
This describes by one of the responses of the civilian (M1) that,
“Ahh mababait naman yung mga pulis sa checkpoint noon. karamihan nga lang sa
mga pulis masyadong istrikto lalo na sa mga naka motor kagaya ko.” (M1)
Additionally, another civilian (M3) stated that,
“Para sakin yung pakikitungo nila nagging maayos naman, nagging magalang
naman sila basta ganun din yung pakikitungo mo sakanila at alam mo sa sarili mo
na wala kang mali or violation. (M3)
Smiling and being respectful helps the aura of a police officer. People are
observant and if they see policemen are relaxed, they won't be as cooperative.
2.2 Competent
The police have always served the community by safeguarding it against crime and
those who commit it. They are responsible for enforcing the law, investigating crimes,
apprehending offenders, decreasing and preventing crime, keeping public order,
guaranteeing community safety, providing emergency and associated community services,
and defending citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms (Schmalleger, p. 17). In addition,
the police are here to fight crime, but they must do it within the law; they cannot abuse the
32
law in order to serve it. They were likewise cautious in enforcing legislation to avoid civil
rights breaches and to ensure that in the implementation of proper search and seizure
procedures at Comelec checkpoints, civil, political and human rights are not violated.
As one of the civilian (M4) stated that.
“Maayos naman po wala naman po silang nalabag na checkpoint guidelines.” (M4)
Another from civilian (M5) describes it as,
“Maayos naman po. Maayos nilang nagampanan kung ano yung dapat nilang gawin
during the checkpoint.” (M5)
Moreover, key informant (K16) stated that,
“Opo. Kasi doon palang sa checkpoint nai-intercept na, so doon palang nagkakaroon
na ng prevention. Sa checkpoint palang may prevention na. During the checkpoint na
fifilter na ninyo kung sino yung mga pumapasok. Sa checkpoint palang makikita na
yun mga contrbands kasi yun yung isa sa mga tinitignan.” (K16)
2.3 Discrimination
There were two respondents who said that they experienced discrimination during
the implementation of the COMELEC Checkpoint. Some police officers became so rude
with some motorists during some inquiries, especially those who were driving motorcycles,
unlike those who were driving cars. Participants were quite offended with how they were
treated while providing explanations for their possible minor road violations. Contrary to
other drivers who committed the same violations, some road violators were granted some
consideration and chances.
Similar to the news article of Journal News Online (December 17, 2021), Ryan
Ponce Pacpao “PASAHERO calls for end to ‘unfair’ motorcycle-only checkpoints” as
stated by the PASAHERO spokesperson Atty. Homer Alinsug that these checkpoints
33
notoriously single out motorcycle rider and unfairly discriminate against them. He also said
that crimes do not just happen on motorcycles, yet motorists of other vehicles are not being
subjected to the same rigorous scrutiny at checkpoints.
One respondent stated that, “Ano ah. Sakin, kasi sakin nag da-drive ako ng fourwheels at nag da- drive din ako ng motor. Sa experience ko di sila consistent eh, mas
istrikto sila sa mga naka motor kesa sa mga naka four wheel”. (M1)
2.4 Lenient Police Officers
According to several motorists, police officers are not conducting their
responsibilities diligently because they are lenient toward other motorists. They also
addressed the fact that certain checkpoints are only strict during the day rather than at night.
Some police officers at the checkpoint do not thoroughly inspect other motorists for
potential offences, especially during peak hours. As described by one motorists,
“Mabait naman, yun ang wala akong masasabi sa mga pulis natin. Mabait naman
sila, kaya lang, sabi ko nga sayo kanina parang yung mga pulis kasi masyadong
maluwag sa checkpoint. Lalo na yung mga pang gabi, medyo maluwag sila. Pag
pang araw talagang mag cacause ng traffic yan which is very good. Pag pang gabi
namedyo maluwag eh. Maluwag talaga yung checkpoint”. (K16)
3. Overcoming the challenges in the implementation of COMELEC Checkpoint
This study was able to determine the overcoming challenges in the implementation
of checkpoint that comprises four (4) categories, the force multiplier for additional
personnel, providing appropriate actions, print information campaign materials, and
provide legal against violators. The additional personnel will help to address difficulty as
it provides an increase in the work force. It was evident that appropriate action can give
progress to the implementation of checkpoint. It was found that printed campaign materials
34
are effective in disseminating information. Legal actions were determined that can aid the
systematic process of law on the checkpoints.
3.1 Force Multiplier for Additional Personnel
This might include persons willingly participating in law enforcement as a police
force. Involvement of Barangay Tanod in law enforcement includes working unpaid within
the structure of a police organization to support and aid in the execution of its tasks. A
second aspect of citizen voluntary cooperation in law enforcement is residents protecting
their neighborhoods. These citizen law enforcement projects benefit from greater law
enforcement resources, citizen involvement in safeguarding their own safety, increased
police responsiveness to neighborhood public safety needs, and improved community
quality of life. Similar to the study by Dimaano and Sumaylo (2014), which involved
setting up strategic checkpoints of Community Police Assistance Centers (COMPACs), as
well as police and military detachments around the city, where the Barangay Police
Auxiliary Teams (BPATs) were in charge of these areas per barangay and provided
situational reports on their respective chokepoints whenever lash alarms from PNP or AFP
sources were carried out.
In relation to this, PNP officer (P4) stated that,
Yung first na problema natin sir is yung kakulangan natin sa tao, na- resolve po
naming yun sa tulong po ng mga force multiplier sir, nakipag coordinate kami sa
mga different oganizations na tumutulong sa PNP at nakiusap kami na bigyan kami
ng support. Binibigay naming sir yung schedule naming ng checkpoint then
pumupunta po sila kapag schedule na ng checkpoint.” (P4)
Moreover, another PNP officer (P5) she stated that,
“Sir, dagdag ko lang, so far po dahil sa kakulangan ng tao namomobilize naman
po yung ating mga force multiplier, yung ating mga barangay (tanod) so kahit
papano po eh napunan yung kakulangan ng personnel po natin kaya overall
peaceful parin ang eleksyon”. (P5)
35
3.2 Providing Appropriate Actions to Motorists
Thorough checking of all the vehicles have been conducted so as to provide
warnings and tickets to all traffic violators. This also enabled the PNP to monitor suspicious
activities relating to crime since most crimes are committed thru vehicles particularly in
single motors.
The Comelec checkpoint officers require the motorist to slow down, courteously
request to dim their headlight of the vehicle and turn on the cabin lights.
Policemen do not compel the motorist to step out of their vehicle during the inspection and
“only visual search is required. During the visual search, the officer simply looks into the
vehicle and flashes a light therein without opening the car’s door to ensure they are not
making any form violations or abuses. Policemen also ensure to inform them that they are
not obliged to open their glove compartment, trunk or bags.
Police commanding officer or the team leader, immediately reported it to the adjacent
teams or police stations stating the details of the person who evaded the checkpoint.
The team also coordinate with the adjacent teams or police stations in order to
established roadblocks in accordance with the existing standard operating procedures of
the PNP. As to PNP Manual (2021), the PNP checkpoint team were guided by their
operational procedures required to conduct as such.
However, if violations/infractions of the law during the checkpoint shall be
immediately acted upon following legal procedures. Arrested persons must be apprised of
their constitutional rights. Moreover, the team also coordinate with the adjacent teams or
police stations in order to established roadblocks in accordance with the existing standard
operating procedures of the PNP.
36
This describes the statement of one PNP officer (P9) regarding the violation of
disobedience to the conduct of checkpoint he stated that,
“Yung sa insidente nay un sir nung tumakbo sila, na file-an sila ng kaso dito sa
MTC (Municipal Trial Court) nagging aware sila na meron palang magiging
problema kung sakaling tatakbo sila sa checkpoint”. (P9)
3.3 Print Information Campaign Materials
Posters are really informative, particularly at checks. This will inform residents and
individuals that officials are enforcing particular rules and regulations.
By providing readable and eye catchy posters, the PNP manage to control the event.
Information is the very first and foremost important thing that should be provided.
It is a must for the PNP officers conducting COMELEC checkpoints to check and provide
necessary equipment however found it as one of the mitigations in reducing the risk of
criminal behavior. Signage such as warning signs (e.g., slowdown checkpoint ahead,
checkpoint 20 meters ahead, etc); and information signs: name and contact number of the
unit and Team Leader. Likewise, Crisostomo (2018), wrote in her news report to the
PhilStar Global that these are signage and information signs were reminders that was stated
under COMELEC Resolution No. 10468, which provided the guidelines on the
establishment and operation of COMELEC checkpoints in preparation for next year’s
midterm elections 2019. This will also to avoid violation of human rights, the Commission
on Elections has reminded its teams manning COMELEC checkpoints that they are only
allowed to conduct “visual search” when inspecting motor vehicles. By providing readable
and eye catchy posters, the PNP manage to control the event. Information is the very first
and foremost important thing that should be provided.
To described this, it was described by one PNP officer (P1) as he stated,
37
“Ah nag lagay po kami ng karatula noon sir.. Yun “No Helmet, No Travel Policy”.
Ayun po sir, nakikita po ng mga motorist ana may ganun sir, nagiging aware sila
sir na bawal nga po yung walang helmet, kahit na malapit man o malayo. Yun po
sir yun isa sa mga way naming para ma lessen yun mga ganung sitwasyon.Tapos
sir yun mg ana che-checkpoint din naming sir, pinapa- alalahanan din naming sir,
nag bibigay ng mga flyers sir para pa- alalahanan sila sir”. (P2)
3.4 Providing Legal Actions against Violators
The failure to apprehend and convict wrongdoers is seen as leading to disorder and
chaos in society. Attempts to deal with the crime problems were taken into some legal
actions. Efforts to curtail crime usually involved the application of severe penalties and
punishment.
Following the Election Laws of the Philippines, law enforcers who will man
checkpoints in connection with the scheduled election are strictly regulated by existing
guidelines; Resolution No. 10741 - Consolidated Resolution for: (1) the Guidelines on the
Establishment and Operation of COMELEC Checkpoints; and (2) Instructions for the
Conduct of Preliminary Examination of Violations of the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying or
Transporting Firearms or other Deadly weapons, and the Employment, Availment and
Engagement of the Services of Security of the Services of Security Personnel and
Bodyguards, in connection with the May 09, 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Rule 1, Section 6.i, states that in case of any violation, incident or untoward circumstance
during the conduct of COMELEC checkpoint, a report thereon must be made and submitted
to the EO within twenty-four (24) hours to ensure proper monitoring and reporting of
violations.
Majority of the responses of the PNP personnel-respondents, that as a rule, this
particular guideline should be done in a manner which will impose minimum
38
inconvenience upon the person or persons so searched, to the end that civil, political and
human rights of any person are not violated. However, failure to apprehend and convict
wrongdoers is seen as leading to disorder and chaos in society. Attempts to deal with the
crime problems were taken into some legal actions. Efforts to curtail crime usually
involved the application of severe penalties and punishment.
Additionally, to support this finding a civilian (M3) stated that,
“Palagay ko okay naman. Sa karanasan ko nagging maayos naman yung
pakikitungo nila, dahil una palang. Para sakin di naman sila mahigpit, kagaya ko,
bilang rider kung alam mong wala ka naman mali syempre kung ano yung hinihingi
nila tulad nung license or papel, ibigay mo nalang.” (M3)
4. Role of COMELEC Checkpoint in securing a safe and peaceful election
4.1Proper Implementation of Gun Ban
PNP Checkpoints also serve as a deterrent to the commission of crimes. Persons
who have a criminal intent to commit a crime will be prevented from doing so. It also
reminds the public that during the election period, no person shall bear, carry, or transport
firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park,
private vehicle, or public conveyance. As describe by one PNP personnel, “Naging
epektibo naman po sya para maiwasan ang krimen, at ma prevent po ang illegal possession
of firearms sa gun ban po”. (P8)
Thus, law enforcers conduct checkpoint operations in strategic locations to strictly
implement the gun ban to maintain peaceful national and local elections. Moreover, the
personnel effectively informed the public on gun ban implementation during the national
elections, particularly firearm owners, to avoid legal trouble. The motorists understand that
a gun ban is necessary to maximize the public's security measures. As a result, when
39
handling significant events such as the election period, the authorities are vigilant to ensure
the people’s safety.
4.2 Prevented Possible Election Related Violence
The Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) set up checkpoints and
patrolled the areas to search for any possible election-related violence. In addition, the
authorities formed a team that would protect the people and themselves. Police officers
assigned to the Zambales COMELEC checkpoint reported with confidence that the
implementation of the said activity was effective in preventing any form of violence during
the election period. Furthermore, police officers had reported a decline in the level of
violence throughout the area. Their 24 hours of duty in their assigned post created no
reported incident or untoward circumstance during the conduct of the COMELEC
checkpoint.
Based on the responses of the PNP personnel, there were zero election-related
incidents occurred during their conduct of COMELEC checkpoints. Moreover, as the
primary government agency that is entrusted to promote peace and order, ensure public
safety and effectively discharge its mandate of performing police functions during the
conduct of COMELEC election.
As stated by the motorists-respondent that they have experienced, “Ano, mas
ramdam mo na safe ka eh, pag mas maraming pulis sa paligid. (M1)” Another from M2,
“Nakatulong ito para magkaroon ng mapayapa na eleksyon at maiwasan ang hindi
magagandang mangayri habang ginagawa ang eleksyon.” (M2) Similarly to the response
of M3, “Nakatulong ito dahil ayun nga nakikilatis yung tao na mga dumadaan para mas
maging maayos yung eleksyon. (M3). Also with respondent M4, “Nakatulong naman ang
40
PNP COMELEC Checkpoints dahil sa seguridad na binigay nila. Naiwasan yung mga
kaguluhan (M4) and lastly with the response of M5, “Nakatulong naman yung COMELEC
Checkpoint kasi natutunan nung mga tao sumunod sa kung ano yung mga pinag babawal”
(M5)
4.3 Screening of Vehicles entering the Province
As COMELEC urges motorists to yield checkpoints, PNP personnel secure the
vehicles entering the province of Zambales. This is in relation to the proper implementation
of Gun Ban and preventing possible election related violence. In line with this, one
respondent stated that,
“Opo. Kasi doon palang sa checkpoint nai-intercept na, so doon palang
nagkakaroon na ng prevention. Sa checkpoint palang may prevention na. During
the checkpoint na fifilter na ninyo kung sino yung mga pumapasok. Sa checkpoint
palang makikita na yun mga contrbands kasi yun yung isa sa mga tinitignan” (K16)
Police personnel have setup a checkpoint on provincial borders for the purpose of
thoroughly screening vehicles before they enter the province. In line with this, police
officers stated that as cars approached their COMELEC checkpoint, the team in charge
instructed them to slow down, as well as dim their vehicle headlights and turn on cabin
lights. They make sure that they also adhere to the guidelines, ensuring that the occupants
are not forced to step out of their car. They also stated that "just a visual search is required,"
and that the standard permitted search is restricted to a visual search in which the officer
simply looks into the vehicle and flashes a light without opening the car doors. They also
added that a vehicle may pass through the checkpoint only if the officers have "cleared" it.
4.4 Effective Police Visibility
The law-abiding individual is seen as a victim of predatory criminals who have
received too much concern above that of their innocent victims. The maintenance of public
41
order and the safety of individual persons and property would be possible with the help of
police to measures and safeguard social stability.
According to Rhumyla G Nicor-Mangilimutan, Maria Nove A Mejica, and Merlita
V Caelian (2020), on their study entitled "Implementation of the Community Peace and
Order and Public Safety Program in Negros Occidental, Philippines," Peace is indivisible
and global because it is the foundation of humanity's survival. Moreover, according to
Daniel et al. (2018), the growing tide of criminality has impeded the normal activities of
government bodies. Thus, maintaining people's peace and security is critical for economic
development, social order, and political stability. The government strictly monitors the
functionality of community peace and order and public safety in the Philippines.
PNP Comelec Checkpoint has an overall smooth implementation of checkpoint
operations duly supervised by the Comelec officers in their respective areas of
responsibilities. Generally, the conduct of implementation by the Philippine National
Police Standard Operating Procedures during checkpoints is highly effective.
This describes the response of civilian (M1) as,
“Ahh. Yes, mas tahimik at mas mapayapa. Syempre dahil sa police visibility mas
nabawasan o napigilan yung mga masasamang tao. Yun mga nagwawala sa
kalsada Nawala syempre. Yun mga ganung klaseng bagay.” (M1)
Another from civilian (M3) stated that,
“Sa palagay ko nakatulong sya. Para makilatis at makilala natin yung mga ibang
tao lalo na sa mga galaw nila.” (M3)
Thus, the theory Cosmopolitan Theoretical Approach answers this research
question as it value highlights the spread of norms that secure human rights, democratic
freedoms, and social justice. Also, it indicates that one of its functions is the protection of
42
human rights and for the citizens to be accountable for their actions which are similar to
peace operations conducted during elections and other political events.
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
1. As the election begins in 2022, police officers in the province faced a variety of
difficulties while carrying out this type of police activity during the election, including a
shortage of officers assigned to the checkpoint in question. The police found it difficult for
some law enforcement officials to multitask while carrying out their duties during this time,
and most importantly, drivers were uncooperative during inspections because they were
afraid of being accused of a violation and facing penalties.
2. Thus, at the COMELEC checkpoint, drivers encounter conflicting assessments
or evaluations of the PNP's performance of their duties. Some people were strict at
checkpoints but lenient when it came to manning. Motorists also criticized them for being
biased because they only favor motorcycle drivers over those who are operating fourwheeled vehicles. Contrarily, motorists consider them to be polite, cordial, and competent
law enforcement officials in the community, clearly reducing the occurrence of any crime.
3. Therefore, in order to overcome the difficulties involved in implementing
COMELEC checkpoints, a number of programs were proposed, such as adding more staff
to each checkpoint, taking appropriate legal action against drivers who violate the law, and
distributing informational materials to the community.
4. In addition, these programs will raise community awareness of the importance
of gun ban and vehicle security checks to prevent potential election-related attacks and
ensure safe and peaceful elections assuring the community of the important role of the
COMELEC Check point
44
Hence, the study was better visualized using this figural representation of the effectivity of
the implementation of the PNP COMELEC Checkpoint in Southern Zambales shown in
Figure 2 below.
Figure 2. Figural Representation of Effectivity of the Implementation of the PNP
COMELEC Checkpoint in Southern Zambales
Recommendation
Based on the findings, majority of the respondents concurred that the PNP
COMELEC checkpoint's implementation in the public has been successful in bringing
45
peace and order to the community in Southern Zambales. Given this, these checkpoints
have indeed been beneficial in reducing crime during elections. Thus, this study
recommends the following:
1. The violations committed by the motorists do not fall within the jurisdiction of the PNP but
the Land Transportation Office. Hence, the LTO should effectively implement various
transportation laws, rules, and regulations.
2. Since, one of the findings of the study is the lack of PNP personnel to man the checkpoint,
it is also recommended that the Provincial Director request additional police personnel to be
deployed in Zambales.
3. Refresher courses on how to handle complaints and proper PNP Decorum should also be
considered to ensure optimum effectiveness of the operation and positive feedback from the
local populace.
4. The PNP should collaborate with other agencies such as LTO and other local agencies that
may help enforce traffic laws and inform and discipline the public concerning traffic rules
and violations.
5. The early findings of this study could serve as the basis for further research and emphasize
the need for a more organized research agenda in this area of policy.
6. The study results would also be a basis for the government to prioritize providing adequate
police personnel at every checkpoint to avoid the lack of workforce and mitigate current
concerns.
7. This study offers a distinctive contribution to the shaping of the story in this policy area in
conducting checkpoints given the paucity of research in the area.
8. The study suggests that the government be encouraged to offer a comprehensive and simple
access online program for drivers of all the rules and laws they need to be aware of.
9. It also recommends future researches about Comelec checkpoints at national level.
46
10. A comparative psycho-emotional evaluation of psycho-emotional health of PNP personnel
compared before and after they were stationed in checkpoint areas throughout the operation.
47
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Pepito, J. P. (2018). Incidence of crimes and effectiveness of interventions in the
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49
APPENDIX A
Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Profile of PNP Personnel. The individual interviews held with PNP personnel
took place from mid- November 2022 to early December 2022. All PNP Personnel
interviews took place during their station duties. All interviews exceeded 45 minutes in
length, but none went over 60 minutes. After receiving signed consent from each
administrator prior to the start of the interview, the researcher audio recorded and
transcribed the interview interaction.
The nine PNP personnel interviewed for the study were part of the three PNP
COMELEC checkpoint as they all worked together as a team for each municipal
checkpoints. For the purpose of this study, the PNP personnel were identified as P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, and P9. Each PNP personnel expressed interest to participate in
the research as a participant.
P1. This participant was a 38-year-old male Police Staff Sergeant who worked at
the PNP Checkpoint in the Municipality of San Marcelino. He has a 12-hour shift after one
week. He appeared calm and responsive in the interview setting and shared his experiences
during his checkpoint duty.
P2. This participant was also a 38-year-old male Police Staff Sergeant who
worked at the PNP Checkpoint in the Municipality of San Marcelino. He was in his third
year of assignment at a PNP-COMELEC checkpoint. He also worked a 12-hour shift
after a week. While he shared many stories about his experiences at the checkpoint, he
always emphasized that he took pride in this duty as part of a historical event in the
Philippines as we elect new leaders in our government.
50
P3. This participant was also a 38-year-old male Police Master Sergeant who
worked at the PNP Checkpoint in the Municipality of San Marcelino. He also worked a
12-hour shift after a week. Throughout the interview, he complimented his coworkers for
the hard work they demonstrated in securing peace and order.
P4. This participant was also a 39-year-old male Police Lieutenant who worked at
the PNP Checkpoint in the Municipality of Castillejos. He also worked a 12-hour shift after
a week. His service for this task provided him the impression that police are reliable,
sincere, compassionate, and act in a professional manner. He served as the team leader and
exhibited police conduct that can contribute to these favorable attitudes, such as treating
people with respect and operating impartially when implementing COMELEC regulations
during checkpoints.
P5. This participant was also a 36-year-old female Police Staff Segeant who worked
at the PNP Checkpoint in the Municipality of Castillejos. She also worked a 12-hour shift
after a week. She stressed that police personnel and organizations sustain the validity of
their profession by respecting everyone's rights and conducting themselves in accordance
with the law. These efforts boost community trust and confidence while also raising public
satisfaction with policing.
P6. This participant was also a 28-year-old female Patrol woman from the
Municipality of Castillejos who worked at the PNP Checkpoint. She also worked a 12-hour
shift after a week. She was nervous about the interview because it seemed like a job
interview. She engaged in the entire procedure and offered her thorough experiences during
her checkpoint duty during the interview.
51
P7. This participant was also a 32-year-old male Police Chief Master Sergeant from
the Municipality of Subic who worked at the PNP Checkpoint. He also worked a 12-hour
shift after a week. He emphasized that in order to maintain police legitimacy, police
personnel must strive to be courteous, fair, and respectful when performing their duties.
P8. This participant was also a 32-year-old male Police Corporal from the
Municipality of Subic who worked at the PNP Checkpoint. He also worked a 12-hour shift
after a week. His willingness to cooperate in this research was evident. He stressed the
significance of carrying out this study and his involvement in sharing his checkpoint
experience.
P9. This participant was also a 29-year-old male Patrolman from the Municipality
of Subic who worked at the PNP Checkpoint. He also worked a 12-hour shift after a week.
He looked very reluctant at first, yet he became very cooperative during the interview.
Collectively, these PNP personnel presented themselves as knowledgeable
participants. Their role at the checkpoint was to work collaboratively with one another to
reinforce COMELEC policies and procedures through being ethical, fair, and consistent in
their dealings with the public during the performance of their duties.
Profile of Motorists-respondent
The researcher conducted individual interviews with random motorists from mid(month) 2022 to early-(month) 2022, during the same time period as police personnel
interviews. All drivers interviews took place at the designated parking space along the road.
As was the case with police personnel interviews, all five interviews exceeded 45 minutes
52
in length, but none went over 60 minutes. Again, after receiving signed consent from each
driver prior to the start of the interview, the researcher audio recorded and transcribed the
interview interaction.
The five drivers who were interviewed were identified as M1, M2, M3, M4, and
M5. All drivers interviewed for the purpose of this study had an experience at the PNP
COMELEC checkpoint.
M1. This participant was a 31-year-old male manager at the printing online
solution. He was a resident of the Municipality of Castillejos, drove a Toyota Vios, and
owned a motorcycle. He also has a valid driver's license. He encountered several PNP
checkpoints during his driving, and he described them as respectful authorities.
M2. This participant was a 23-year-old female Admin aide 1 at a government
office. She was a resident of the Municipality of Subic and a driver of a Honda silver
metallic Beat. She also has a valid driver's license. She showed enthusiasm in this study
and shared many candid thoughts about her experiences at the PNP COMELEC
checkpoint.
M3. This participant was a 24-year-old female graphic designer. She was a resident
of the town of San Marcelino. She also has a valid driver's license and drives a Yamaha
Mio scooter. She was confident in her answers, however, and provided a broad scope of
responses in her interview.
M4. This participant was a 25-year-old male security guard at a business
establishment in Castillejos. He was a resident of the said municipality. He shares a Honda
Click 125 with his brother and also possesses a valid driver's license. He had a positive
53
experience with the PNP staff at the checkpoint. He calls them "public friendly" since they
constantly advise drivers to take safety precautions against reckless driving.
M5. This participant was a 24-year-old female administrative assistant. She was a
resident of the town of Castillejos. She commuted to work on her motorcycle and has a
valid driver's license.She emphasizes the significance of police checkpoints during an
election in terms of maintaining public safety.
K16. This participant was also a 43-year-old female teacher in a public school in
the town of Subic. She had been teaching for the past 15 years. She lives in the said
municipality with her family. Prior to her current teaching position, she had been a driver
since her college days. She stated that she had many years of experience at various PNP
checkpoints, and that during an election, the authorities always check their vehicles with
their permission to ensure that drivers do not have any illegal possession of guns or other
related illegal contraband. She observes the healthy cooperation between her fellow
motorist and the PNP personnel during the inspection.
Individual interviews with police officers and motorists who participated in the
PNP COMELEC checkpoints covered a wide range of topics. The responses that these
individuals provided to interview questions demonstrated that they shared the same
perspective on the value of fostering public order and safety and effective communication
between the general public and authorities.
To answer each of these four research questions, data collection took place through
the use of individual interviews with PNP personnel and civilian participants. Data were
coded and analyzed to identify results in response to the research questions.
54
APPENDIX B
Interview guide questions for focus group discussion with PNP personnel deployed and
rendered duties during the election period.:
I.
1. Checkpoint Kamusta po ang pagpapatupad ng checkpoint nitong nakalipas na
May 2022 election?
2. May mga na- encounter ba kayo na mga problema noon?
3. Ano- ano po ang mga problemang hinarap ninyo noong nakaraang eleksyon?
4. Ano po ang pinakamalala sa mga problem ana inyong kinaharap ng kapulisan
noon?
5. Ano po ang pinaka- madalas na nalalabag tuwing checkpoint?
II.
1. Paano po ninyo niresolba ang mga problem ana inyong na- encounter habang nag
papatupad ng checkpoint?
2. Paano niresolba ng PNP ang mga problema sap ag papatupad ng COMELEC?
Interview guide question for key informants on the effectiveness of PNP COMELEC
Checkpoints:
1. Sa inyo pong palagay, nakatulong po ba ang checkpoint para magkaroon ng
tahimik at mapayapang eleksyon noon May, 2022?
2. Kamusta po ang inyong mga karanasan sa mga pulis na nasa checkpoint noong
mga panahong iyon?
3. Paano po ang kanilang nagging pakikitungo sainyo kapag kayo any dumadaan sa
checkpoint?
55
4. Paano po nakatulong ang PNP COMELEC Checkpoint para magkaroon ng
maayos na eleksyon noong May, 2022?
56
APPENDIX C
TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTERVIEW WITH POLICE OFFICERS ASSIGNED IN
SAN MARCELINO, ZAMBALES.
Interview with Beza, Farin, and Edrosalam (San Marcelino MPS)
Legend:
I: Interviewer
R1: Respondent 1
R2: Respondent 2
R3: Respondent 3
I:Kamnusta naman po ang pagpapatupad ng Checkpoint nitong May 2022 election?
R1, R2, R3: Okay naman sir.
R1(P1): Cooperative naman po, just in case may na- papara po kami na mga private
individual, okay naman sir naiintindihan naman nila at pinapaliwanag din naman naming
sir yun purpose dahil nakalagay din naman sa signage na ang purpose ay dahil sa
COMELEC Checkpoint, Na naiimplement lang po kami ng batas at follow nalang po sila.
I: May mg ana encounter po ba kayo na mga problema noon? minor po o major, sa public
o sa atin po ano po ang mga ito?
R1, R2, R3: Wala naman sir
R1(P1): So far sa amin sir wala naman, nagging cooperative naman po ang public.
I: Ano po ang pinakamadalas na violation during that time?
R1(P1): Sa amin sir ang pinakamadalas pag nag coconduct kami ng checkpoint sir, sa
mga naka motor, ang initial violation palagi sir e wala silang helmet, and then sir pag na
57
flagged down namin sir then may Nakita kamming violation, tulad ng mga walang papel
yung mga motor. Yung iba naman di nadala ang mga dokumento nila, mga OR/CR.
R2(P2): Ang kadalasan lang sir talaga sa mga naka motor sir, yun wala lang helmet
talaga..
R3(P3): Yun lang sir talaga, pero yun mga kontrabando sir, mga deadly weapon, mga
baril, wala naman kami na- encounter.
II.
I: Doon po sa mga problemang iyon paano nyo po na resolba ang mga problemang iyon
habang nag- papatupad ng checkpoint?
R2(P2): Ah nag lagay po kami ng karatula noon sir.. Yun “No Helmet, No Travel Policy”.
Ayun po sir, nakikita po ng mga motorist ana may ganun sir, nagiging aware sila sir na
bawal nga po yung walang helmet, kahit na malapit man o malayo. Yun po sir yun isa sa
mga way naming para ma lessen yun mga ganung sitwasyon.Tapos sir yun mg ana checheckpoint din naming sir, pinapa- alalahanan din naming sir, nag bibigay ng mga flyers
sir para pa- alalahanan sila sir.
R3(P3): Yung iba sir ticket, citation ticket sir
I: Sa level po ng station, pano po sa level ng PNP?
R1(P1): Ganun na rin po sir.
58
APPENDIX D
TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTERVIEW WITH POLICE OFFICERS ASSIGNED IN
CASTILLEJOS, ZAMBALES.
Interview with PLT Almero, PSSG Elemancil, and Pat Esmade (Castillejos MPS)
Legend:
I: Interviewer
R1: Respondent 1
R2: Respondent 2
R3: Respondent 3
I: Kamusta po ang pagpapatupad ng checkpoint nitong nakalipas na May 2022 election?
R1(P4): Ahmm.. Effective naman po ang pag coconduct natin ng checkpoint during
election dahil naprevent po natin yung may mga masasamang loob na pwedeng makagulo
sap ag coconduct natin ng peaceful election.
R2(P5): So far sir, okay naman po ang election last time, sa tulong po ng mga police
operations gaya ng. checkpoint ay nagging successful po ang eleksyon nung nakaraan
R3(P6): Yun nga po sir gaya ng sabi ni mam, okay naman po sir yun elekyon dahil nga sa
checkpoints natin nung nakaraang eleksyon po. Ginawa po sya noon na three times a day
at nagging maspayapa po yung nakaraang elesyon po at wala naman pong nangyaring
hindi maganda.
I: May mga na-encounter po ba kayo na problema?
R1(P4): Ang na- encounter nating problema sir sa pag coconduct ng checkpoint operation
with regards po sa PNP is yung kakulangan po natin ng tao, yung iba po nag mumulti-
59
tasking at yung iba po ay di na nakukumpleto yung team ng checkpoint pag nag coconduct
ng checkpoint. Usually po yun po yun problema natin. Kahit hindi po COMELEC
Checkpoint or anti- Criminality Checkpoint, yun po talaga yung problema.
R2 (P5): Sir, dagdag ko lang, so far po dahil sa kakulangan ng tao namomobilize naman
po yung ating mga force multiplier, yung ating mga barangay (tanod) so kahit papano po
eh napunan yung kakulangan ng personnel po natin kaya overall peaceful parin ang
eleksyon.
R3(P6): Ah sir, yung mga tao po kasi is na deploy sa mga iba’t ibang mga polling precint
kaya nagkukulang yung mga tao sa checkpoint, ang mg ana encounter po natin eh minsan
marami pong makukulit talaga. Sa tulong nalang din ng mga force multipliers naming ay
na papacify naman po sila.
I: How about po sa community sa mga dumadaaan sa Checkpoints po natin?
R1(P4): In general naman sir, tanggap naman nila yung checkpoint and accepted naman
nila na yung pag coconduct natin ng checkpoint, meron lang di maiiwasan. Meron minsan
yung makukulit na makikipag talo, lalong lalo na yung mga motorista na may mga
violation. Dun po nagkakaron ng problema usually lalo na yung makukulit, yung iba mga
lasing tapos walang pertinent documents, kaya nag reresult tayo sap ag iimpound at pag
iisue ng ticket.
R2(P5): Yun nga sir syempre sakanila, napaka laking abala kasi lalo nap ag proper yung
chekpoint at iisa isahin nga yun documentsnaiinip sila pero so far naiintindihan nila yung
purpose, yung politeness din syempre at yung approach sakanila eh malaking bagay po.
Kung pano makipag communicate, makipag- usap yung ating tropa kaya naintindihan
naman po nila
60
I: Ano po yung pinakamadalas, pinaka common, nan ava- violate ng mga tao?
R1(P4): usually sir ang pinakamadalas nan aba- violate nila sir is not wearing helmet at
tsaka wala silang pertinent documents like OR/CR tsaka ang mga motor vehicle nila is
unregistered. Yun lang naman sirang kalimitang violations na naba- violate during
checkpoint operations.
I: how about po sa.. relative po sa 10591, kasi yun po ang purpose natin talaga sa
COMELEC checkpoints eh diba? May mga accomplishments po ba tayo dito during the
past election?
R1(P4): During the past election po sir, wala po tayong na- encounter na violation ng
10591 during checkpoint operations
I: So based po dun sa kanina, paano nyo po na resolba ang intong mga problem ana naencounter habang nag papatupad ng checkpoint?
R1(P4): Yung first na problema natin sir is yung kakulangan natin sa tao, na- resolve po
naming yun sa tulong po ng mga force multiplier sir, nakipag coordinate kami sa mga
different oganizations na tumutulong sa PNP at nakiusap kami na bigyan kami ng support.
Binibigay naming sir yung schedule naming ng checkpoint then pumupunta po sila kapag
schedule na ng checkpoint.
61
APPENDIX E
TRANSCRIPT OF THE INTERVIEW WITH POLICE OFFICERS ASSIGNED IN
SUBIC, ZAMBALES.
Interview with Beza, Farin, and Edrosalam (Subic MPS)
Legend:
I: Interviewer
R1: Respondent 1
R2: Respondent 2
R3: Respondent 3
I: Kamusta po ang pagpapatupad ng checkpoint nitong nakalipas na May 2022 election?
R1(P7): Okay naman po sir, nakikisama naman po ang mga motorista habang
nagpaptupad po kami ng checkpoint.
R2(P8): Naging epektibo naman po sya para maiwasan ang krimen, at ma prevent po ang
illegal possession of firearms sa gun ban po.
R3(P9): Na- aware po sila doon sa mga violation na pwedeng ikahuli nila
I: May mga na- encounter po ba kayo na problema?
R1(P7): Yung mga motorista sir na iba mga nakainom at mga pasaway po. Yun po yung
mga problemang naencounter naming nung kasagsagan ng COMELEC checkpoint sir.
R2(P8): Kadalasan lang naman sir yun walang helmet, tapos nag rarason na “dyan lang”
pero iniissuehan parin naming ng ticket sir
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R3(P9): Yun nga po sir minsan nagkaka problema, magka buddy kami ni master nun time
na yon’ tinakbuhan kami sa checkpoint, ayun nakasuhan tuloy sila. Na- apprehend naman
namin sir, mga lasing sila
I: May mga problema po ba kayong naranasan?
R1(P7): okay naman po sir may mga katulong naman po tayo na mga force multiplier.
I: Doon po sa mga nabanggit nyo kanina na problema ano po sa tingin nyo ang pinaka
Malala?
R1, R2, R3: Wala naman po sir, di naman po ganun kalala mga problema noon sir.
R3(P9): Ah konting disobendience lang naman sir, konting habulan, at bandan huli
nakipag- cooperate din naman yung mga tao sir.
I: Paano nyo na- resolba ang mga problemang naencounter nyo sa pagpapatupad ng
checkpoint?
R3(P9): Yung sa insidente nay un sir nung tumakbo sila, na file-an sila ng kaso dito sa
MTC (Municipal Trial Court) nagging aware sila na meron palang magiging problema
kung sakaling tatakbo sila sa checkpoint.
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APPENDIX F
TRANSCRIPT ON THE INTERVIEW WITH MOTORISTS IN SOUTHERN
ZAMBALES.
Interview with Marti, Bianca, Carlos, Karl, and Paula (local residents)
Legend:
I: Interviewer
R1: Respondent 1
R2: Respondent 2
R3: Respondent 3
R4: Respondent 4
R5: Respondent 5
I: Sa inyo pong palagay, nakatulong po ba ang checkpoint para magkaroon ng tahimik at
mapayapang eleksyon noong May, 2022?
R1(M1): Ahh. Yes, mas tahimik at mas mapayapa. Syempre dahil sa police visibility mas
nabawasan o napigilan yung mga masasamang tao. Yun mga nagwawala sa kalsada
Nawala syempre. Yun mga ganung klaseng bagay.
R2(M2): Palagay ko okay naman malaking tulong sya para maiwasan omabawasan ang
mga krimen na maaring mangyari. Iwas kaguluhan narin kasi di naman natin alam kung
ano ang pwedeng mangyari.
R3(M3): Sa palagay ko nakatulong sya. Para makilatis at makilala natin yung mga ibang
tao lalo na sa mga galaw nila.
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R4(M4): Sa tingin ko oo dahil naging tahimik at mapayapa naman yung nagdaang
eleksyon at wala naman akong nabalitaang nagkagulo dito sa Zambales.
R5(M5): para sakin nakatulong naman ang checkpoint para magkaroon ng tahimik at
payapang eleksyon dahil may mga pinagbabawal gawin na dapat sundin ng bawat isa, dun
palang makikita mo na kung sino yung may disiplina.
I: Kamusta po ang inyong mga karanasan sa mga pulis na nasa checkpoint noong mga
panahong iyon?
R1(M1): Ahh mababait naman yung mga pulis sa checkpoint noon. karamihan nga lang
sa mga pulis masyadong istrikto lalo na sa mga naka motor kagaya ko.
R2(M2): Ah wala naman akong naranasang di maganda noong panahong iyon.
R3(M3): Palagay ko okay naman. Sa karanasan ko nagging maayos naman yung
pakikitungo nila, dahil una palang. Para sakin di naman sila mahigpit, kagaya ko, bilang
rider kung alam mong wala ka naman mali syempre kung ano yung hinihingi nila tulad
nung license or papel, ibigay mo nalang.
R4(M4): Maayos naman po wala naman po silang nalabag na checkpoint guidelines.
R5(M5): Maayos naman po. Maayos nilang nagampanan kung ano yung dapat nilang
gawin during the checkpoint.
I: paano po ang kanilang nagging pakikitungo sainyo kapag kayo ay dumadaan sa
checkpoint
R1(M1): ano ah. Sakin, kasi sakin nag da-drive ako ng four- wheels at nag da- drive din
ako ng motor. Sa experience ko di sila consistent eh, mas istrikto sila sa mga naka motor
kesa sa mga naka four wheels.
R2(M2): Okay naman, palagay ko ginagawa naman nila ng maayos yung trabaho nila.
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R3(M3): Para sakin yung pakikitungo nila nagging maayos naman, nagging magalang
naman sila basta ganun din yung pakikitungo mo sakanila at alam mo sa sarili mo na wala
kang mali or violation.
R4(M4): Maayos naman po, di naman po kami nasungitan.
R5(M5): Masaya naman po silang bumabati tapos nagpapaalalang lagging mag iingat sa
kalsada.
I: Paano po nakatulong ang PNP COMELEC checkpoint para magkarron ng maayos na
eleksyon noong May 2022?
R1(M1): Nno, mas ramdam mo na safe ka eh, pag mas maraming pulis sa paligid.
R2(M2): Nakatulong ito para magkaroon ng mapayapa na eleksyon at maiwasan ang hindi
magagandang mangayri habang ginagawa ang eleksyon.
R3(M3): Nakatulong ito dahil ayun nga nakikilatis yung tao na mga dumadaan para mas
maging maayos yung eleksyon.
R4(M4): Nakatulong naman ang PNP COMELEC Checkpoints dahil sa seguridad na
binigay nila. Naiwasan yung mga kaguluhan.
R5(M5): Nakatulong naman yung COMELEC Checkpoint kasi natutunan nung mga tao
sumunod sa kung ano yung mga pinag babawal
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APPENDIX G
TRANSCRIPT ON THE INTERVIEW WITH KEY INFORMANT
Length of audio File 5:43 mins
Transcriber: Anthony G Berdonar
Legends:
I: interviewer
R: Respondent (Mam Ceynas)
I: Sa inyo pong palagay nakatulong po ba ang checkpoint para magkaroon ng tahimik at
mapayapang eleksyon noong May, 2022
R(K16): Opo. Kasi doon palang sa checkpoint nai-intercept na, so doon palang
nagkakaroon na ng prevention. Sa checkpoint palang may prevention na. During the
checkpoint na fifilter na ninyo kung sino yung mga pumapasok. Sa checkpoint palang
makikita na yun mga contrbands kasi yun yung isa sa mga tinitignan.
I: Kamusta po ang inyong mga karanasan sa mga pulis na nasa checkpoint noong mga
panahong iyon?
R(K16): Mababait naman sila, at tsaka di naman talagang mahigpit ang pulis kasi
although kasi bawal naman talga silang mag bukas kaya lang during nung election time,
yung mga pulis.. wala lang.. nandoon lang dire-diretso lang, pasok hindi masyadong chinicheck taposparang nag pipicture taking lang. After mag picture taking ng pulis wala nang
checkpoint.
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I:Paano po ang kanilang nagging pakikitungo sainyo kapag kayo any dumadaan sa
checkpoint?
R(K16): Mabait naman, yun ang wala akong masasabi sa mga pulis natin. Mabait naman
sila, kaya lang, sabi ko nga sayo kanina parang yung mga pulis kasi masyadong maluwag
sa checkpoint. Lalo na yung mga pang gabi, medyo maluwag sila. Pag pang araw talagang
mag cacause ng traffic yan which is very good. Pag pang gabi namedyo maluwag eh.
Maluwag talaga yung checkpoint.
I: Paano po nakatulong ang PNP COMELEC Checkpoint para magkaroon ng maayos na
eleksyon noong May, 2022?
R(K16): ah syempre Malaki yung tulong nila. Unang una makikita nila kung may mga
ibinabyaheng ballot box in advance kasi sa checkpoint palang makikita na nila kung
mayroong kahinahinalang kontrabando, so isa yun. Ang isang maganda doon sa
checkpoint na nakita ko, yung police visibility at yung checkpoint, ang laki ng naitulong
nya para ma implement ng maayos yung inyong gun ban noong eleksyon. Isa yun sa mga
Nakita kong mgandang effect nun, yung implementation of gun ban.
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APPENDIX H
INFORMED CONSENT OF PARTICIPANTS
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APPENDIX I
CERTIFICATE OF APPEARANCE TO POLICE STATIONS
74
75
76
CURRICULUM VITAE
ANTHONY G BERDONAR
09178240583
anthonygabrielberdonar@gmail.com
I.
PERSONAL PROFILE:
ADDRESS
:
Del Pilar, Castillejos, Zambales
AGE
:
30 yrs. Old
DATE OF BIRTH
:
October 25, 1992
PLACE OF BIRTH
:
Mangatarem, Pangasinan
CIVIL STATUS
:
Married
WEIGHT
:
80 kg
RELIGION
:
Roman Catholic
CITIZENSHIP
:
Filipino
NAME OF MOTHER
:
Saniata G Berdonar
NAME OF FATHER
:
Moises T Berdonar Jr.
II.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
GRADUATE SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
2011- 2015
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC SAFETY
(BSPS)
Tartaria, Silang, Cavite
SECONDARY:
2009 – 2010
Jesus F Magsaysay High School
San Roque, Castillejos, Zambales
ELEMENTARY:
2005 – 2006
III.
Villafor Elementary School
San Roque, Castillejos, Zambales
ELIGIBILITY:
Civil Service Professional
April 6, 2014
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IV.
SEMINAR/ WORKSHOP ATTENDED
Title of Seminar/
Inclusive Dates of Attendance
Training
From
To
Public Safety
June 1, 2021
November 15,
Officers Advance
2021
Course
Public Safety
October 19, 2018
April 20, 2019
Officers Basic
Course
Basic Incident
March 22, 2018
March 24, 2018
Command System
Training Course
Instructor
May 5, 2014
May 16, 2014
Development
Course
Conducted / Sponsored
National Police
College
National Police
College
Office of the Civil
Defense
International
Criminal
Investigation
Training
Assistance
Program