Checkpoints ordered set up for Comelec gun ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the setting up of checkpoints nationwide to ensure the effective implementation of the gun ban during the election period.

At least one checkpoint will be established in each city and municipality starting Sept. 23 until Oct. 30, the end of the election period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, the Comelec said.

More checkpoints from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) may be established in coordination with an election officer (EO) having jurisdiction over the city or municipality, the poll body said in a resolution.

If circumstances warrant, Comelec said, spot checkpoints may be established upon coordination with the EO.

EOs will post in their respective offices as well as the offices of the PNP and AFP locations of Comelec checkpoints. Notices will also be disseminated to non-government organization, civil society and the media.

The Comelec said teams manning checkpoints are barred from soliciting money from persons passing through or accepting voluntary offer of cash or gifts.

A member of the AFP or PNP with a rank of inspector will lead the unit designated to man the checkpoint, it said.

In the absence of a soldier or policeman with such rank, the highest ranking officer will make a special designation of a lower ranking officer to act as team leader of the Comelec checkpoint.

Military and police personnel manning checkpoints must be in complete uniform and should not be under the influence of liquor.

Any violation will make the commanding officer or leader jointly liable for administrative action, the poll body said.

It also stressed the need for all checkpoints to be well lighted to allow all those passing through to easily identify the uniformed personnel.

Every checkpoint will also have a signboard measuring three feet by four feet to clearly identify the place from a reasonable distance. There must also be a signboard directing motorists to slow down.

The Comelec said the team manning the checkpoint must courteously request motorists to dim the headlights. Only visual search is allowed and motorists cannot be forced to step out of the vehicle.

“No person may be subjected to physical or body search in the absence of reasonable ground to believe that the person has just committed, or about to commit or committing a crime,” it noted.

The Comelec said violations or untoward incidents at the checkpoint should be reported within 24 hours to the EO.