The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) continues its strict enforcement of election-related checkpoints in the municipality of Lagawe and across the province of Ifugao.
The operation, which began on January 3, will continue until June 12, although the midterm election is done on May 12, 2025, the protocol will still continue until the said date as part of nationwide efforts to ensure safe and peaceful elections.
In order to assure security during elections, COMELEC checkpoints were set up, mainly to enforce the gun ban and prevent criminal activities.
In terms of reference, these checkpoints are essential for averting violence and promoting a peaceful voting process. They are staffed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies.
The main goal is to tightly enforce the gun ban, which forbids carrying or transferring firearms or other lethal weapons during the election period unless COMELEC has given its approval. Election-related violence, extortion, and other unlawful acts that can interfere with the electoral process are all actively discouraged by checkpoints.
COMELEC Checkpoint in Ifugao
The checkpoints are meant to enforce the COMELEC gun ban, which strictly prohibits the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons during the duration of election, even if licensed. This includes air guns, airsoft guns, bladed weapons, and any other dangerous items.
According to PMS Bal Dulnuan, “Walang exempted, kapag election, bawal talaga ang pagdadala nang baril sa labas (There’s no exemption on the gun ban. During elections, it is strictly forbidden to carry guns outside.”
Anyone caught violating the gun ban may face arrest and be charged with illegal possession of firearms in relation to the COMELEC gun ban, a serious election offense.
Community Awareness and Compliance
“Ag-abide da ah nu anya ti rules tayo dituy, masapol umanatup da. Tapno maiwasan [nga] maticketan da (The people should abide with our rules here. So that they can avoid being issued a ticket),” stressed PCpl Mario Gayyaman from the municipality of Alfonso Lista, deployed in Lagawe to augment police efforts in safeguarding the peaceful operations including Gotad festival.
He added that checkpoints are not meant to intimidate the public but to promote awareness, accountability, and safety.
Elena Laciapag from Urdaneta, Pangasinan said that “Maganda po, kasi bilang isang turista ramdam namin na mas safe kami dahil sa checkpoint na ipinapatupad ng ating gobyerno. Para rin naman sa kaligtasan nating lahat ito (It’s good, because as tourists we feel safer because of the checkpoints implemented by our government. This is also for the safety of everyone).”
Local authorities report that the implementation of the checkpoints has been peaceful, and people have been cooperative. Law enforcement officers continue to encourage the public to stay informed about existing policies and to support the peacekeeping efforts by following all checkpoint procedures.// Shalymae G. Victorino, BSU-DevCom Intern
