Soldiers have joined policemen in manning security checkpoints nationwide in response to President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of state of emergency on account of lawless violence following last week’s explosion in Davao City.

”The military are there along the highway near urban centers conducting joint checkpoints and patrols like in Davao City which was recently hit hard," Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said during an interview with reporters Thursday evening during a visit to Region 4-B.

The checkpoints operate 24 hours and seven days a week.

From the previous number of eight policemen, each checkpoint is secured by 12 to 16 security personnel composed of cops and soldiers.

Police are the primary component, backed up by the military. Dela Rosa said police can frisk suspicious-looking persons.

If a motorist has a gun, he will be asked to produce documents proving he is allowed to carry such weapon, said Dela Rosa.

"What's the use of conducting checkpoints if you will not inspect an object that are bulging or protruding which could be an illegal firearm?" Dela Rosa stressed.

Police and the military can ask motorists to open compartments of their vehicles to check for explosives and other weapons.

PNP Directorate for Operations director Chief Superintendent Camilo Pancratius Cascolan clarified they can't force the owner to follow but it would be better to comply..

"We will not force you but it would be better if you will just open it. Otherwise, we will think that you are hiding something in the compartment," Cascolan said in an interview with reporters on Friday.

Dela Rosa appealed for understanding from the public as they want to prevent a terrorist attack like in Davao City where 14 were killed.

"The primary objective is to secure our urban centers from possible terror attacks. That's why we have the military. They are playing a crucial role here," he said. Emmanuel Tupas