The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the National Police (PNP) have implemented over 1,400 checkpoints across the country to ensure public safety and enforce the strict gun ban during the election period.
As the election period began on Sunday, the Commission on Elections ( Comelec ) in coordination with the National Police ( PNP ) established more than 1,400 checkpoints to enforce the strict implementation of the gun ban and ensure public safety throughout the electoral process. In a press briefing, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia reassured the public that the checkpoints are simply a routine part of the election process and should not cause fear or alarm.
Garcia explained that the 1,470 checkpoints have been strategically placed by the PNP in key areas, particularly in locations classified as areas of concern or hotspots. Of these, 38 are under the red category, indicating areas with serious armed threats and a history of election-related incidents; 177 are under the orange category, denoting areas with significant armed threats; and 188 are under the yellow category, which covers areas with a history of election-related violence. Meanwhile, 1,239 areas are classified under the green category, signifying no significant election-related security concerns. Most areas under the red category are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 32. There are two areas each in Cagayan Valley and the Bicol Region that are also considered hotspots. For the orange category, the highest number of areas is in the Bicol Region at 48, followed by BARMM with 22, Caraga with 17, and Central Visayas with 16. Other regions have fewer orange-tagged areas. Areas under the yellow category are concentrated in BARMM with 49, followed by Northern Mindanao with 22, Ilocos Region with 19, and other regions with varying counts. Meanwhile, the PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil appealed to the public for cooperation with checkpoint protocols, especially regarding the gun ban. “Marbil warned, stressing that having a license does not automatically exempt someone from the gun ban. The National Police also revealed the guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of checkpoints. These must be placed in well-lit areas with visible signage 30 meters away, stating “slow down, checkpoint ahead.” Motorists will only undergo visual inspection or “eyeball checks,” with officers merely requiring windows to be rolled down. Vehicle interiors and trunks will not be inspected unless there is reasonable suspicion of illegal activity. Motorists are also permitted to record the checkpoint procedure for their safety, while PNP officers are required to wear body cameras and bulletproof vests during inspections. As of Sunday, four individuals have already been arrested for violating the gun ban, with cases recorded in BARMM, and Regions 12, 6, and 3. Gun ban exemption applications will be accepted until the final two weeks of the election period, which will conclude on June 11
GUN BAN CHECKPOINTS ELECTION SECURITY COMELEC PNP
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Comelec Sets Up Gun Ban Checkpoints, Warns Against Campaigning During TraslacionThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) will implement a gun ban and establish checkpoints starting January 11, 2024, in preparation for the May 2025 midterm elections. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasizes the importance of cooperation from motorists and assures that only a visual search will be conducted at checkpoints.
Read more »
Comelec Declares Over 400 Areas of Concern Ahead of 2025 Midterm PollsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated over 400 cities and municipalities across the Philippines as areas of concern for the May 2025 midterm elections. The classifications range from yellow (suspected election-related incidents) to orange (serious armed threats) and red (most serious threats). This declaration aims to guide security force deployments and ensure public safety during the election period.
Read more »
Comelec to Set Up Checkpoints Nationwide Starting January 11 for 2025 ElectionsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) will commence setting up checkpoints across the Philippines on January 11, 2024, marking the beginning of the gun ban period for the 2025 national and local elections. The checkpoints, which will remain active until June 12, 2025, will employ the 'plain view doctrine', requiring motorists to lower their windows and illuminate their vehicle interiors upon passing through. The Comelec aims to establish a peaceful environment for the elections through these checkpoints, not just to search for weapons but also to address potential issues in specific areas.
Read more »
Comelec checkpoints limited to plain view, officials remindSunStar Publishing Inc.
Read more »
Comelec Deploys Checkpoints Nationwide as Election Period BeginsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented checkpoints across the Philippines to enforce the gun ban and ensure a safe and orderly election period for the May midterm elections.
Read more »
PNP boosts checkpoints as Comelec tightens security measures for 2025 electionsThe Commission on Elections (Comelec), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies, officially launched
Read more »