TACLOBAN CITY – To ensure peace and order, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) is implementing intensified checkpoints in Eastern Visayas region as the campaign period for candidates seeking local positions finally went full blast on Friday.
"This might pose an inconvenience for the riding public but this will be for the welfare of everybody, thus, we need your full cooperation," said Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PRO8 regional director, as he assured the public of their readiness not only for the election period.
“The police checkpoints are focused not only on the strict enforcement of the election gun ban but also on other laws and ordinances that impact criminality in the region, particularly during the campaign period,” added Banac.
Banac though made it clear that the checkpoints are limited to visual search on plain view and the motorists are not required to open their compartments.
He also ordered the police personnel to strictly observe and implement the minimum health protocols, adhere to Comelec guidelines, and observe extra vigilance in checkpoint operations.
The PRO8 has not disclosed yet the election hotspots, if there are any, or areas with security concerns in the region.
Meanwhile, candidates in Eastern Visayas are adapting to the "new normal" by using different campaign strategies to win the votes of the people.
Although the use of social media in the campaign is desirable, candidates for provincial, city, and municipal; positions, as well as those running for congressional seats, still go around to share programs and platforms they intend to implement once elected.