Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Andres Bautista and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ricardo Marquez led the ceremonial opening of the nationwide Comelec checkpoints on Sunday (January 10).
The launch marked the start of the country’s election period, which lasts from midnight of January 10 up to midnight of June 8.
“Itinatag ang checkpoints para siguraduhin ang safety ng ating taong bayan yung issues regarding ng gun ban at mga security,” said Bautista.
[Translation: “The checkpoints were set up to assure the safety of our citizens, especially those involving the gun ban and security.”]
Around eight policemen in uniform are assigned to man each checkpoint. These checkpoints must bear the signage indicating it’s a Comelec Checkpoint. The sign must also show the name and contact details of the Election Officer assigned in the area.
“It’s the sign that is really very important kasi unang una, yung checkpoint must be placed sa mga well-lit na lugar hindi sa madidilim or ilag na lugar,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.
[Translation: “It’s the sign that is really very important because first of all, the checkpoint must be placed on a well-lit area and not in a dark area.”]
The PNP Chief and the Comelec Chairman visited thre checkpoint areas: Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, C-5 Tiendesitas in Pasig City and C-5 Kalayaan in Makati City.
Police were randomly checking passing vehicles. Motorists said they don’t mind going through the checkpoint, as it helps ensure everyone’s safety.
“Tama lang yun para maiwasan natin ang mga may masamang balak sa pangangampanya,” said a taxi driver.
[Translation: “It’s just right so that we can prevent those who have ill motives during the campaign season.”]
“Ok naman para mas-safe mas-mabuti may police visibility. Ok lang to para sa atin din naman ho ito eh,” said a motorist.
[Translation: “It’s ok so that things will be safer and there’s police visibility. It’s ok because it’s for the people after all.”]
Coinciding with the election period is the gun ban, which is meant to help prevent election related crimes.
“Yung mga permit to carry ng lahat ng mga mamamayan it will be put on hold unless makakuha ng exemption from Comelec,” said Bautista.
[Translation: “The [firearm] permits to carry of all citizens will be put on hold, unless they are able to secure an exemption from the Comelec.”]
“Katulad nito, yung mga kampanya against loose firearms, private armed groups yung nagsasama ng body guards na walang certificate of authority from the Comelec — yun yung mga focus ng operation na gagawin namin ng PNP at AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines],” said Marquez.
[Translation: “The operations of the PNP and AFP are aimed at private armed groups that have bodyguards with guns without certificates of authority from the Comelec.”]
These restrictions take effect every time the country holds elections.
