by: Alice V. Sicat
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — In a heartfelt address during the ceremonial launching of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoints at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila on Sunday, January 12, COMELEC Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, the commissioner in charge of Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee, emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in ensuring peaceful elections.
“We have this Gun Ban because we want to achieve peaceful and orderly elections. Ang tulong po ng kapulisan, ng Armed Forces, ng Philippine Coastguard at lahat lahat na ng agencies na ti-nap ng Commission on Elections para magsagawa ang mapayapang eleksyon ay kinakailangan,” Comm. Ferolino said.
(We have implemented this Gun Ban because we aim to achieve peaceful and orderly elections. The assistance of the police, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all the agencies tapped by the Commission on Elections to ensure a peaceful election is essential.)
From 12:01 AM on January 12, 2025, COMELEC officially activated checkpoints across the country to enforce election-related security measures. These checkpoints are integral to upholding order, deterring violations, and maintaining peace during the election period.
Commissioner Ferolino underscored the importance of adherence to proper checkpoint protocols, ensuring searches are conducted respectfully and voters’ rights are upheld.
While security forces, including the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard, work tirelessly to safeguard the election period, the Commissioner called on citizens to do their part.
By preparing the necessary documents and cooperating fully at checkpoints, voters or citizens can contribute to a smoother, safer election experience, she urged.
To help ensure a peaceful election, citizens are encouraged to:
- Prepare all required documents such as, permit to carry firearms, if any, to be ready when passing checkpoints.
- Cooperate politely with law enforcement personnel at checkpoints.
- Participate in community discussions about election-related concerns.
- Respect election rules and security protocols.
“With the coming elections, inaasahan po namin na maging mas mapayapa tayo kasi mas nag handa tayo ngayon. Ang gun ban and security concerns ay mas maagang nagsimula sa pagtanggap ng applications for exemptions. Ito ay para mabigyan ang mga taong karapat-dapat magdala ng kanilang firearms,” Commissioner Ferolino emphasized. She reminded voters that their collective efforts towards a peaceful and orderly election process reflect their commitment to the country’s progress and democracy.
(With the upcoming elections, we expect a more peaceful process because we are better prepared this time. The gun ban and security measures started earlier with the acceptance of applications for exemptions. This is to ensure that only those who are qualified are granted the right to carry firearms.)
At least one COMELEC Checkpoint shall be established in each city/municipality in the Philippines, including its ports, and additional and on-the-spot checkpoints may also be established where the circumstances warrant.
During the Election Period and Gun Ban, any person not in possession of any Certificate of Authority (CA) issued by the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) is presumed to be without authority to bear, carry, or transport the firearms, ammunitions, explosives or any parts/components/controlled chemicals thereof.
In accordance with Resolution No. 11067, in cases where there is an apparent violation of the Gun Ban, any member of the team manning the COMELEC Checkpoint must ask for the corresponding CA to bear, carry, or transport such items.
For more details for the 2025 National and Local Elections, visit the official website, www.comelec.gov.ph. (AVS / COMELEC / PIA-NCR)
0 Comments