PRO 7, Comelec launch simultaneous checkpoints

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 yesterday conducted a simultaneous launching of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) checkpoints.

The launch was attended by police and Comelec 7 key officials.

The activity emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and order as the country gears up for the upcoming midterm elections 2025 on May 12.

Police Colonel Ariel Apud, PRO 7 officer-in-charge deputy regional director for operations, said the start of the election period also officially kicked off the Comelec gun ban.

“We joined the entire nation to ensure a safe election this May 2025. It is empirical that election related violence occur. Hence, the need to deter criminals and law violators,” Apud said.

He also urged everyone to work hand-in-hand to ensure a safe haven for voters for Central Visayas.

“We look forward to the commitment and dedication of everyone for a peaceful electoral process,” Apud said.

The PNP imposed a nationwide gun ban starting January 12, 2025, the start of the election period for this year's midterm polls. It will end on June 11, 2025.

Law enforcers will conduct checkpoint operations in strategic locations as part of efforts to secure the upcoming elections.

As a general rule, only bonafide police, military, and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on official duty, are allowed to carry firearms for the entire duration of the election period.

Gun ban exemption may be secured from the Comelec’s Committee on Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns.

Atty. Francisco Pobe, Comelec 7 regional director, in a speech said that the Comelec checkpoints signalled the public that the political atmosphere in the Philippines has already change from the ordinary scenery of the activities of the public into an election period where all activities related to election is already under the supervision of the Comelec.

“But I would like to inform everybody that this is not the sole responsibility of Comelec. As I have said that this is a shared responsibility. Time and again that the election in the Philippines is not about us nor about you or about me not about we, but it is about us who is responsible in the defeat or the failure or the success of this election,” Pobe said.

Pobe added that checkpoint operations served as a warning to politicians not to take advantage of the men in uniform, or use the services of gunholders or goons.

"We will level the playing field that everybody will be entitled so long as they have the exemptions from the Comelec,” Pobe said.

The checkpoint operations is also aimed at protecting everybody from unscrupulous individuals trying to take advantage of the election season.

“This checkpoint is not meant to deprive the liberty but somehow regulate the movements of the use of firearms in the interest of the general welfare and protection of the public,” Pobe said.

“We are doing this one because we wanted to achieve and reach our ultimate goal of ensuring that the elections for May 12, 2025 will not only be orderly, peaceful, meaningful and responsible but it will be a acceptable to the public,” Pobe said. –/ JG (FREEMAN)