Motorists are urged to cooperate with authorities as checkpoints have been set in place in various areas in Calabarzon, in preparation for the May 2025 midterm polls.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) started implementing a nationwide gun ban last Sunday, January 12, when the official election period started.
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Philippine National Police in Region IV-A (PRO IV-A) began setting up Commission on Election (Comelec) checkpoints as the nationwide gun ban and election period kicked off on Sunday, January 12.
“The deployment of forces in checkpoints may prevent any potential risks or illegal activities. The cooperation of the PNP, AFP, and other authorities will solidify our efforts to secure the region and ensure an orderly and safe electoral process,” Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO) director P/BGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said in a statement.
The PNP Calabarzon set up a ceremonial Comelec checkpoint along the main thoroughfare in Calamba City, Laguna last Sunday where motorists were asked to slow down and roll down their windows so that cops can conduct a visual search of their vehicles
P/Col. Julius Suriben, PRO IV-A Regional Staff chief, assured the public that the police will uphold citizens’ rights at these checkpoints.
“The public can expect that all of their rights will be respected and that we will abide by the proper rules,” he said.
He added Comelec protocols will be followed to ensure the safety and credibility of the 2025 elections.
The checkpoints will be implemented along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Part of the protocol is the ‘plain view doctrine’ which only allows visual search of vehicles without opening the glove or trunk compartment or a physical inspection inside the vehicle.
When flagged down, motorists should remain calm, lower down windows, turn off the main headlight, switch on the car’s cabin light, and show drivers’ license or registration of vehicle if requested.
Under the nationwide gun ban, no individual will be permitted to bear or carry a firearm, even if registered, without the Comelec’s authority.
The PNP also asked the public’s cooperation during the election period to foster peace and order in the communities.
At least seven areas in Calabarzon have been placed under yellow category areas, or areas with a history of election-related incidents, while one area had been placed under the red category, or areas with serious armed threats and history of election-related incidents.
With report from the Philippine Information Agency
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