Comelec reminds police on checkpoints

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City office of the Commission on Elections is reminding the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to observe the Comelec guidelines on the establishment of checkpoints in connection with the May 10, 2010 elections.

City election officer Marchel Sarno acknowledged the importance of checkpoints to effectively implement the gun ban during the election period.

The election period will officially start from January 10 to June 10. During that period, checkpoints will be randomly established in different areas.

Sarno said that under Comelec Resolution Number 8729, the police should notify the election officer prior to the conduct of a checkpoint.

The commanding officer or the team leader will also notify the election officer on the location of checkpoints.

Sarno noticed that in the previous elections, the city police will never inform them on the conduct of checkpoints despite the Comelec guidelines.

“There is a need gyud nga i-inform ang Comelec before mag-conduct og checkpoint ang police kay aron sab sila magiyahan,” Sarno said.

The election officer disclosed that failure of the police to consult them in conducting checkpoints may result in administrative actions.

A Comelec resolution stated that a checkpoint should be in a well lighted place and should bear a Comelec signboard.

A Comelec check-point must be led by a regular member of the military or police with a rank of at least lieutenant or inspector. Military or police personnel manning the checkpoints must be in complete uniform and should not be under the influence of liquor or drug.

CCPO director Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador has already assured the Comelec of their support to the gun ban.

Comendador said that his men are conducting daily checkpoints in different areas in the city since this is a part of their duties.

“We consider this thing as part of the normal procedures, enforcements, functions that we follow,” he said.

He, however, failed to mention on whether they are notifying the election officers on the conduct of checkpoints in relation to the gun ban, which will start this Sunday. – Elly Bolonos/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)