AN OFFICIAL of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) over the weekend said more checkpoints are likely to be installed as the gun ban takes effect on Sunday, January 13, four months ahead of the May 13 midterm elections.
Cocpo spokesperson Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa said they would put up more checkpoints in the city not only to implement the gun ban but also to deter criminality.
"Pero mananghid pa ta sa Comelec nga magbutang ta og dugang nga mga checkpoints," Hortillosa said.
He said policemen manning the various checkpoints were already directed to implement strict security inspections including private vehicles and arrest those who carry firearms without the authority issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Hortillosa said only those who secured certificate of authority from the Comelec are allowed to carry guns during the election period.
"Kami sa PNP and military exempted naman mi sa gun ban pero katong mga private individual kailangan nila mokuha sa certificate of authority sa Comelec," he said.
Hortillosa said even those security escorts hired by politicians and candidates must go through the process.
He added politicians who want to employ security escorts and carry firearms must justify and convince the poll body the reasons why he needs to hire escorts or carry guns.
"Example naay threat sa iyang kinabuhi so iya nang i-justify bag-o siya makakuha sa certificate of authority to carry firearms," Hortillosa said.
"I-evaluate man dayon na sa Comelec kung angay ba tagaan," he added.
Hortillosa said violators will face charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of Comelec gun ban.
"Pahimangno nato nga dili gyud magdala-dala sa armas bisan pa lisensyado kana gawas kung naa certificate of authority gikan sa Comelec," Hortillosa said.
In Caraga region, Police Regional Director Gilberto Cruz reminded the public that only law enforcers are authorized to carry firearms during the election period.
However, when in possession of firearms, the deputized law enforcement officers must be in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number, which shall remain visible at all times and in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Comelec.
“We will apprehend persons including law enforcers who will violate election gun ban and will set up Comelec checkpoints to be manned by local police as part of our security precautions,” Cruz said.
He also assured that the Caraga cops will remain vigilant in its security operations to prevent election-related violence and ensure safe and fair elections.
Under Commission on Election (Comelec) Resolution No. 10197, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.
The Comelec may issue exemption to qualified individuals who, by nature, are considered high-risk individuals. (With PJ Orias)