Police Master Sgt. Aljhon Sayson of the Highway Patrol Team-Bohol urged the public not to be anxious about the checkpoints set up by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in various areas of the province.
In an interview on dyTR’s Open Forum hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy on February 8, 2024, Sayson said that checkpoints are meant to enhance police visibility and prevent criminal activities.
He said that only those who have legal issues should worry about being stopped by the authorities.
At the live radio interview, Sayson was accompanied by Staff Sgt. Krislam Baquil of the Motorcycle Anti-Street Crime Operative of the Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS), who also shared his insights on the traffic situation in the city.
Sayson said the Highway Patrol Unit is authorized to enforce traffic laws, such as checking the registration and license of vehicles and drivers. He also stressed the importance of courtesy and professionalism among the police officers when dealing with the public.
He said that lack of courtesy could tarnish the reputation of the entire police force and erode the trust of the people.
Sayson also warned the public about the risks of riding colorum vehicles, or those that operate without a franchise. He said that these vehicles could evade arrest if the passengers would not cooperate with the law enforcers.
He pointed out that colorum vehicles pose a threat to the safety and welfare of the passengers, as they are not covered by insurance or other benefits in case of accidents or emergencies.
He added that colorum operators create “unfair competition” for the legitimate public utility vehicle operators who pay taxes and fees to obtain their franchises.
Sayson also explained that the Highway Patrol Group is responsible for pursuing car thieves and other criminals who use land vehicles. He said that they are also empowered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue temporary operator’s permits, or TOPs, to drivers who violate traffic rules.
He said that the TOP serves as a ticket that indicates the type and amount of penalty that the driver has to pay.
Sayson and Baquil’s appearance on the radio program was timely, as the LTO Flying Squad was recently in the province to conduct inspections and operations against erring drivers and vehicles.