Kung dumating ang police sa bahay mo sa England or Wales, huwag mataranta—but know your rights.

Una, tanungin calmly:

“Am I under arrest?”
“Do you have a warrant?”
“Under what legal power are you asking to enter?”

Hindi automatic na kailangan mong buksan ang pinto o papasukin sila dahil police sila. Kung wala silang warrant or specific legal power, maaari mong sabihin:

“I do not consent to your entry. Please explain the legal basis for entering.”

Pero may important exceptions. Under section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, puwedeng pumasok ang police without a warrant in certain situations—halimbawa, para arestuhin ang isang taong suspected of an indictable offence, recapture someone unlawfully at large, save life or limb, or prevent serious damage to property. Maaari rin silang magkaroon ng ibang search powers following an arrest.

Kung may search warrant:

Ask to see the warrant and check the address.
Tanungin kung ano ang sakop ng search.
Huwag physically humarang or makipagtulakan.
You may calmly record what is happening, provided you do not obstruct the officers.
Clearly state if you do not consent, but do not resist if they say they have lawful authority.

Kung ikaw ay inaresto, huwag magbigay ng detailed explanation tungkol sa allegation without legal advice. Sabihin:

“I would like free and independent legal advice before answering questions.”

Libre ang police-station solicitor, regardless of your income. Huwag magsinungaling, magtago o sumira ng evidence—possible separate offences iyon.

Bottom line: police attendance is not automatically permission to enter, but neither should you physically resist a claimed lawful entry. Ask for their legal authority, record the encounter where safe, and obtain a solicitor immediately.

Legal basis: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, especially sections 17–18.

Disclaimer: General legal information only. The correct advice depends on the reason for attendance, any warrant, and the precise police power being exercised.

If you need advice or representation in a criminal matter, please contact:

Lindoven Magsino
Solicitor | SRA No. 8014444
Magsino Solicitors

Email: don@magsinosolicitors.com
Website: www.magsinosolicitors.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donmagsino.official
Mobile: 07446 888 377
Telephone: 0208 933 1699

London Office:
Magsino Solicitors
Regus Building 3
566 Chiswick High Road
London, W4 5YA

We look forward to assisting you.