Round-the-clock checkpoints as poll campaign period nears
CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) here on Tuesday said they would strictly implement and strengthen mobile and strategic checkpoints as part of the security measures for the 2019 mid-term elections.
PRO 13 Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, has ordered all regional, provincial and city mobile force commanders, city and provincial directors and municipal chiefs of police to strictly implement 24/7 checkpoint operations in their respective areas of responsibilities (AORs) for the whole duration of the election period which ends June 12, 2019. The poll period starts on January 19, 2019.
In his directive, the region’s top police chief reminded police officers manning the checkpoints to rigorously observe the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) which include wearing of full uniform and to set up checkpoints in well-lighted areas to allow motorists to read the signs and see the policemen on duty.
“We are asking the cooperation of everyone to properly implement safe, clean and honest elections," Cruz said.
Under the supervision of the Comelec, the police are also set to implement the gun ban, under which people are prohibited from bearing, carrying and transporting firearms, explosives and other deadly weapons.
“Even police officers and other law enforcers in different law enforcement agencies are not allowed to carry guns unless they are in uniform and are onduty,” Chief Supt. Cruz pointed out.
The region’s top police officer, however emphasized that a regular member of the police, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies is exempted from the nationwide gun ban, as long as he is "in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number," and "in the actual performance of his election duty".
The police are also considering giving exemption to people identified by Comelec as "high risk," such as cashiers, disbursing officers, and state witnesses who may seek gun ban exemption by applying for the appropriate certificate of authority.
Chief Supt. Cruz called on candidates running in the 2019 mid-term election and their supporters to avoid clashes during the campaign period which kicks off on February 13.
The region’s police chief assured that all venues during the campaign period will be secured by the local police force but asked candidates to be in control of the activities of their supporters and advised them to adhere to the campaign guidelines set by the poll body.
“I’m hoping that everybody will cooperate, this is for the good of everybody,” he said.
Cruz also ordered field unit commanders and directors to closely coordinate with their counter-parts in the Philippine Army and other law enforcement agencies, in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election this year.