PRO 11 to intensify checkpoints for election gun ban

DAVAO CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 will intensify its checkpoint operations in all areas of the Davao region for the implementation of the election gun ban.

PRO 11 Regional Director Chief Supt. Marcelo C Morales said he has ordered the city and provincial police directors to beef up their checkpoints as this operation will now be under the supervision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the implementation of Omnibus Election Code and intensifying the prevention of election-related incidents for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2019.

Morales said as the election period will start on January 13, all individuals are already prohibited from bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms, explosives or other deadly weapons.

"Even police officers are not allowed to carry guns unless they are in uniform and are on-duty," he said.

He said members of the police and armed forces, as well as other law enforcement agencies, will be exempted from the nation-wide gun ban, as long as they are "in full uniform showing clearly and legibly the name, rank and serial number," and "in the actual performance of election duty."

The region's top cop also reminded police officers manning the checkpoints to rigorously observe the guidelines set by the Comelec which include being in full uniform and setting up checkpoints in welllighted areas to allow motorists to read signage and see policemen on duty.

Morales qualified that persons considered as "high risk," such as cashiers, disbursing officers, and state witnesses, among others, who have been identified by the Comelec, may seek gun ban exemption by applying for the appropriate certificate of authority.

“We are asking the cooperation of everybody to properly implement a safe, clean and honest elections," he said. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr.)