PNP to intensify checkpoints as election gun ban starts

Police official says only those with certificate of authority from Comelec are allowed to carry guns

An official of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) over the weekend said more checkpoints are likely to be installed as gun ban takes effect following the start of election period on Sunday, January 13, four months ahead of the May 13 midterm polls.

Cocpo spokesperson Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa said they would put up more checkpoints in the city not only to implement the gun ban but to also deter

criminality.

“Pero mananghid pa ta sa Comelec nga magbutang ta og dugang nga mga checkpoints,” Hortillosa said.

He said policemen manning the various checkpoints were already directed to implement strict security inspections including private vehicles and arrest those who carry firearms without the authority issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Hortillosa said only those who secured certificate of authority from the poll body are allowed to carry guns during the election period.

“Kami sa PNP and military exempted naman mi sa gun ban pero katong mga private individual kailangan nila mokuha sa certificate of authority sa Comelec,” he said.

Hortillosa said even those security escorts hired by politicians and candidates must go through the process.

He added politicians who want to employ security escorts and carry firearms must justify and convince the poll body the reasons why he needs to hire escorts or carry guns.

“Example naay threat sa iyang kinabuhi so iya nang ijustify bag-o siya makakuha sa certificate of authority to carry firearms,” Hortillosa said.

“I-evaluate man dayon na sa Comelec kung angay ba tagaan,” he added.

Hortillosa said violators will face charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of Comelec gun ban.

“Pahimangno nato nga dili gyud magdala-dala sa armas bisan pa lisensyado kana gawas kung naa certificate of authority gikan sa Comelec,” Hortillosa said.