The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) together with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct intensified checkpoints in the region as part of security measures in preparation for the May 9, national and local elections.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, in an interview on Friday, said a gun ban would take effect at 12:01 a.m. of January 9 and end on June 8, 2022.
“It is expected that at least one Comelec checkpoint shall be set up in each city or municipality to ensure the safety of the localities,” Calubaquib said.
She said the PNP is committed to strictly adhering to the guidelines on the establishment and operation of Comelec checkpoints.
Checkpoints by the police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) outside the city or municipality shall also be established in coordination with the designated election officer (EO) in the area.
Calubaquib said during the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park private vehicles, or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.
“The issuance of firearms license shall be suspended during the election period while exemption to this are regular members of the police, AFP as well as members of other law enforcement agencies provided that they are in uniform and are performing official duties,” she added.
Any Comelec offense, Calubaquib noted, shall be penalized with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. The person found guilty shall also be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and be deprived of the right to vote.
Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO5 regional director, in a statement, said, “Together with the partner agencies, we are with high hopes to provide the Bicolanos orderly, safe, honest and peaceful elections.”
Source: Philippines News Agency
