Brace for random checkpoints

CEBU, Philippines - Checkpoints will soon be set up randomly in various areas in the province to monitor compliance with the gun ban and other election policies implemented to ensure peace and order during the election period.

The Commission on Elections provincial office yesterday met with the Cebu Provincial Police Office and 78th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to give a refresher on the scope of the election gun ban and discuss how personnel will be well delegated in all areas of concern.

Last January 10, Comelec through the PNP has implemented a total gun ban for the coming elections prohibiting private individuals from carrying firearms and allowing only two security personnel for each candidate.

Comelec Resolution No. 8714 clearly states that no person shall bear, carry or transport licensed or unregistered firearms or deadly weapons in public except for the regular plantilla of the PNP, AFP other government law enforcement units and private security agencies that is duly authorized by the PNP and hired security personnel of candidates who were enlisted with Comelec.

Comelec regional director Ray Rene Buac said that all types of vehicles, whether private or public utility, will be intercepted and checked.

Provincial election supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano added that they also oriented the PNP and AFP about the poll automation because they would perform better in their duty if they know how the new system works.

Castillano detailed the procedures of voting using now the Precinct Count Optical Scanners including the essentials of the machine and how the PNP should take part in securing the machines before and after the actual casting of votes on May 10.

Castillano ordered the PNP to deploy at least two personnel per voting center all over the province.

“Three days before the election, ibutang na ang machine so kailangan bantayan. As we know, mas daghan ang voting center kaysa police sa usa ka area. Di gyud ta dapat mudeploy og usa ra ka police per voting center because we have to make sure that machines will be remain intact until the actual election,” Castillano said.

He added that the provincial Comelec still has to obtain the exact number of voting centers per area so they could relay it to the PNP and start planning how many PNP personnel will be deployed per area.

Castillano said the PNP must not worry since authorized watchers will also be assigned to secure the machines, “Kailangan sad nato bantayan syempre and watchers. Our main goal here is to make sure na wala’y mugamit sa machine before the actual election.” — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)