By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The number of checkpoints might increase as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) draws near, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.
Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said additional checkpoints might be set up in the region in connection with the Sept. 14 polls, adding that the number of checkpoints is nearly 25,000, up from last week’s 18,000.
“Even if we consider this an election-related incident, we hope it remains an isolated one. Verification efforts in the BARMM are ongoing,” Laudiangco said in an interview.
He said the number of checkpoints is for the whole region.
“There is a checkpoint at every street corner. Rather, the sheer size of the BARMM’s geographical area accounts for this number,” Laudiangco explained.
At the same time, he reminded the people in the region to strictly follow the gun ban, as they have apprehended some violators.
“Fifteen individuals were apprehended and over 20 firearms were seized. All cases have undergone inquest proceedings. The standard procedure involves arrest, the reading of rights, evidence collection, referral to prosecutors, and the filing of charges for violating Section 32 of RA (Republic Act) 7166 (Synchronized Election Act),” the Comelec spokesperson said.
“Let us not take this lightly. If you do not have an exemption or a certificate of authority, do not carry a firearm. Checkpoints are waiting for you. Do not treat this as a joke. Violating the gun ban carries a penalty of one to six years imprisonment, the loss of the right to vote, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.”
The gun ban in the region is in effect from July 16 to Sept. 29. (PNA)
