THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) asked for the cooperation and patience of motorists as long lines are expected in checkpoints in
compliance with the implementation of the election gun ban.
This after police forces started to enforce the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) for civilians
beginning Sunday, January 9, 2022, which also marks the start of the election season.
According to social media posts, heavy traffic was experienced along McArthur Highway going to Ulas and Puan, especially in the afternoon, as those coming from outside the city were returning. Checkpoints were also deployed in other parts of the city.
DCPO Spokesperson Rose Aguilar said in a radio interview on Monday, January 10, that heavy traffic was expected since it is the first day of the implementation. She apologized for the inconvenience brought by this.
"Bation gyud na sa kadaghanan. Mangayo lang ta og gamayng dispensa sa mga malangan. Magkonsidera mo, sa mga mutrabahuay ug motorista nga mo-adjust mo gamay sa inyong schedule aron dili kaayo maipit inyong panahon. Lauman ninyo nga naa gyud mga checkpoint sa mga estasyon nga gitan-aw pud namo nga strategic area
nga magpahigayon mi og ana," Aguilar said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.
(Many motorists would be experiencing this. We ask for the public’s understanding if they would be experiencing delays. Motorists and
travelers, especially those working, would have to consider adjusting their schedules so they do not encounter problems on their trips. Expect that there would be checkpoints in
strategic areas.)
Based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10695, the election period begins on January 9 and will end on June 8, 2022.
In addition, checkpoints will be tightened in compliance with the Comelec resolution.
Aguilar said DCPO, in coordination with the Task Force Davao and Comelec, roamed around all police stations in the city to establish its respective checkpoint.
As of Monday, she said they have not yet arrested anyone who violated the gun ban.
In addition to the gun ban, she said the city police office had conducted reshuffling of high-ranking personnel from one police
station to another.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao spokesperson Police Major Eudisan Gultiano said in a recent virtual presser that persons caughtviolating the gun ban may be charged with illegal possession of firearms.
Task Force Commander Darren Comia also said that they are intensifying its monitoring of the city’s border control, in accordance with the Comelec resolution.
He also said that they have not yet apprehended anyone in connection with the gun ban.