Army explains checkpoints

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Iligan City-- Army checkpoints to increase security measures were up early this week along the road connecting the cities of Iligan and Marawi, in front of the 104^th Infantry Brigade camp at  Barangay Maria Cristina of the city, attracting varied reactions from the people in the area.

A commuter complained claiming that there was discrimination as the checkpoint stopped and inspected their vehicle upon seeing the occupants to be Maranaos. It was argued that there was a seeming bias against the group that can provoke resentment and was further considered to violate Human Rights.  On the other hand, many local folks particularly from Iligan City welcomed the checkpoints as it was viewed to provide them more security.

Col Benito de Leon, Commander of the 104^th Infantry Brigade declared that he ordered the checkpoint along the Iligan-Marawi route to control the passage of lawless armed groups that were reportedly just freely passing through the road. He said that no prejudice was directed towards a certain group as he disclosed even requiring at one point for all vehicles be checked including those of the military, police, or other government agencies. This measure, he said would curb those who plan to impersonate persons in authority, and allow the military to monitor the passage of security forces. Certain individuals were also reported carrying firearms without authority and even on board government vehicles or ambulances, hence the checkpoints, he adds.

The officer went on radio to explain the rationale of checkpoints which is intended to complement police enforcement activities and contribute to peace and order. Accordingly, this mechanism is consistent with the AFP’s Rules of Engagement and does not violate Human Rights. Personnel involved were trained also with the inputs of US subject matter experts  to ensure its professional conduct.  As he apologized to the riding public for the inconvenience of the checkpoints, he also asked them to extend cooperation to facilitate the job of the soldiers. He advised vehicle drivers on approaching a checkpoint the following: slow down and prepare to stop if signaled; dim their lights; open their windows; and turn on their cabin lights.

“Rest assured that we will establish any security arrangement allowed by our laws and regulations, including the conduct of checkpoints, if only to protect the people we are duty-bound to serve,” emphasized Col de Leon.