Life at the checkpoints with cops

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Life at the checkpoints with cops

Rick Olivares

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Updated Apr 29, 2020 05:12 PM PHT

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Police at a checkpoint in Marikina. Photo provided by author

MANILA -- The health care professionals aren’t the only people manning the frontlines. The military and the police along with barangay tanods also do their share manning check points and patrolling neighborhoods.

There are multiple checkpoints in all barangays designed to restrict unnecessary movement by its residents during the enhanced community quarantine. The job isn’t easy.

Speaking to policemen from the Marikina Industrial Valley precinct and those in Barangay Escopa in Project 4, Quezon City, they shared their thoughts about life at the trenches.

“Each checkpoint has two 12-hour shifts with anywhere from four to seven policemen assigned depending on the size of the area,” said Police Lieutenant Erricson Balte. “We take a look at the temperatures of the people passing through in cars and verify where they are going. Of course, there is no way we can verify if they do say they are going to buy food. It is one of the difficulties of the job.”

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Corporal Alwin Huidem said that while checkpoint duty isn’t new to them, it’s the long hours and the fear of the coronavirus that is the huge difference. "Meron kaming takot pero we have to do our duty.”

While most people understand the purpose of the checkpoints, there are some who can be really testy. “Kailangan mahinahon pero firm ka makipag-usap,” added Corporal Leynes.

They are regularly provided food and drinks not only from their respective precincts but also from good Samaritans. On a hot and humid Wednesday, April 23, noon, the meal is from Brothers Burger -- bowl of prime burger patties, onion rings, and rice with a bottle of cold water to wash it down.

“It is nice to get food like this once in a while. Alam mo magandang brand 'yan. Thanks to donors like Brothers Burger, it makes the long hours worth it. We feel appreciated,” underscored Balte.

In addition to the 12-hour shifts, they wear their thick duty fatigues that is both protective and cumbersome.

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The cops manning the checkpoint that intersects Major Dizon Street to Marcos Highway to Katipunan Avenue is busy. For those going to Marikina or Cainta, it presents a quicker route as opposed to the busy Aurora Boulevard/Katipunan Avenue checkpoint that is always busy. Before one gets to the front of the checkpoint, it can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Thus, many opt to go through the other way, never mind if they need to go to three checkpoints because it is faster.

“In the summer heat,” added patrolman Christopher Almazan, “it is difficult because you sweat a lot. And when it becomes drenched with sweat, they become heavy.”

There are portalets provided for the cops but without proper ventilation, going to relieve oneself can be very trying.

But the policemen, soldiers, and tanods manning the frontlines, it’s all part of their duty to ensure safety and that this ECQ ends at the soonest possible time.

“It’s a good time to put our differences aside and come together as a people to fight a common enemy (the coronavirus),” concluded Balte.

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