LUNA, Apayao – Despite the inclement weather, COMELEC and government forces in the province and its seven municipalities successfully launched simultaneous Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoints on January 12, 2025.
This move marks the official commencement of the COMELEC gun ban, effective until June 11, 2025, as mandated under COMELEC Resolution No. 11067.
Joint security control centers across the province oversaw the deployments of checkpoints manned by combined forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with operations strictly adhering to the “plain view doctrine”. This means security officers only conduct thorough inspections if there is clear visible evidence or reasonable grounds to justify it.
To ensure transparency and safety, checkpoint inspections should be conducted in well -lit areas with proper signage and markings. Motorists are encouraged to turn on their vehicle’s interior lights and roll down their windows when passing through a checkpoint.
The checkpoints will focus on inspecting vehicles for firearms, enforcing the gun ban and ensuring a safe and secure environment for voters.
Security officers are prohibited from conducting body searchers or requiring drivers to open their trunk or glove compartment for inspection unless there is reasonable suspicion that the person inside the vehicle has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime.
These measures are crucial in helping to ensure a fair and peaceful election process, free from intimidation and violence.
Authorities have assured the public that these measures are in place to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain a peaceful election atmosphere in the province.
The successful implementation of the COMELEC checkpoints, despite the challenging weather, demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies in ensuring a safe and orderly election process in the province. The public is urged to cooperate fully with authorities during checkpoint inspections. By Krizza Castillo