Napolcom, PNP, IBP tackle issues on warrantless arrest
THE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) yesterday met with presidents-elect of the different Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Chapters in Metro Manila to solicit help from the lawyers and educate police operatives about matters of arrests – may it be warrantless or not – alongside the rights of an individual.
Held at the NCRPO headquarters, the collaborative meeting was attended by Napolcom Commissioner, Rafael Vicente Calinisan, also a lawyer, Metro Police director Regional Director of the PNP-NCRPO Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, district directors, and 30 IBP officers.
Particularly, assistance was sought in problematic areas like Rule 113 (where warrantless arrests are permitted), and the Miranda Rights of the accused.
It was noted that there are instances where policemen have issues when and when not to make an arrest, and when to draw their firearms.
“The best outcomes come from collaborations. Napolcom aims to partner with the NCRPO and the IBP Chapters in NCR to further sharpen the saw, and educate our policemen in the correct manner of arrests and searches, including upholding the rights of ordinary Filipinos. We also aim to partner with the IBP in providing legal services for PNP personnel who may need representation for cases in the line of duty,” Commissioner Calinisan said.
Calinisan said the Napolcom and the NCRPO also prepared a calling card-sized “cheat sheet” which contains the clear instances where warrantless arrests are permitted by law, alongside a listing of the Miranda Rights of a person to be arrested.
“With this, we give protection not only to our citizens but also to our policemen since education prevents unnecessary cases against them, ” he pointed out.
For Calinisan this collaboration of the NAPOLCOM, PNP, and the IBP was a dream come true as this would have a positive impact on the proper administration of justice.
The NCRPO will be shouldering the expenses in the production of the “cheat sheets.”
For his part, Aberin said that operatives must not forget to go back to the basics of policing.
“In the exercise of our functions, we must not forget the rights of those whom we truly serve. Our mandate is to serve and protect the people, continuing legal education for policemen is much needed since it further capacitates us to do our work well, and confidently. This is a welcome development on our part, and we hope that the effect of this will be felt by the people in the long haul,” Aberin added.
