Negros Oriental stakeholders agree on poll checkpoint guidelines

CEBU, Philippines – Issues and concerns regarding the conduct of Comelec checkpoints all over Negros Oriental were threshed out during a meeting today called for by PNP provincial commander Senior Superintendent Harris Fama.

In attendance were Land Transportation Office  Dumaguete district office head Marliza Elesterio, Bayawan LTO extension office chief Janine Lawas, Comelec lawyer Andre Villasis, and Commission on Human Rights special field investigator Jess Cañete.

During the meeting, it was agreed that for the Comelec, the checkpoint is purely to check on the presence of guns, bladed weapons or illegal drugs based on the guidelines of Resolution 129.

However, the police also has its own mandate under the anti-criminality campaign dubbed as Operation Lambat Sibat and does not preclude them from conducting another checkpoint, especially upon receiving information of suspicious characters who could be bringing firearms and contraband items.

On the side of the LTO, their mandate is to implement provisions of RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Regulation Code of the Philippines.

It was agreed during the coordination meeting that while the PNP, the army and the poll body is conducting the Comelec checkpoint, the LTO can also conduct a roadside inspection within the vicinity, to check on violations of RA 4136 such as driving without licenses, driving motor vehicles with incomplete papers, among others.

Both Elesterio and Lawas said they have endorsed to the regional office the names of police officers for the renewal of their deputation orders so they could be of help in the implementation of the transportation and regulation code.

Lawas made it clear, LTO deputies shall undergo the required seminar for them to familiarize provisions of the law and that in the renewal, only those who have undertaken the same shall be prioritized.

On the other hand, the Commission on Human Rights will only come in if there are complaints for alleged violation of the human rights of motorists and individuals during the conduct of the checkpoint. (FREEMAN)