LAOAG CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) are now preparing for the establishment of checkpoints in the entire province in line with nationwide implementation of election gun ban starting Saturday.
To kick-off the start of the synchronize Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already declared a red alert, targeting a zero crime incident during the election period.
“With the setting up of Comelec checkpoint, we would like to tell the people to behave and cooperate with our law enforcers,” said Atty. Alipio Castillo III, Provincial Election Supervisor of Ilocos Norte, during the Comelec Provincial Joint Command Conference held here Friday.
Castillo said the checkpoint, under the supervision of Comelec, need not require representatives of the Comelec to directly man the checkpoints, only the local police.
The official launching of the checkpoint will be conducted in San Nicolas town Friday midnight.
The PNP has reminded the chief of police from the 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte to set up the checkpoint least 15 minutes before midnight.
Chief Inspector Angelito de Juan, chief investigator of the INPPO, said the location of checkpoints varies depending where a crime mostly happens.
Further, Castillo reminded the PNP that in the enforcement of election gun ban, it should not deter the police to continue enforcing other laws.
“But always remember to follow proper procedure. If you need assistance, our Comelec officers and assistants will maintain an open line with you 24/7,” he said.
Aside from the carrying of firearms and deadly weapons without the Comelec’s permit, the poll body also reminded the public of the prohibitions during the election period, such as the alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct, the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized by the Comelec, coercing and threatening.
The prohibitions also include intimidating or terrorizing any election official or employee in the performance of his election functions or duties, the transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service including public school teacher, organizing or maintaining reaction forces, strike forces or similar force, suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officers.
Violations are punishable by one to six years of imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote, Comelec said. (PNA)
