CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – The Police Regional Office-1 is conducting Commission on Elections checkpoints in the Ilocos region in line with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October 30.
Police Brig. Gen. John C. Chua, PRO-1 director, and Comelec-Region 1 Assistant Director Reddy C. Balarbar launched these checkpoints on Monday, August 28, in Barangay Pagdalagan, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Balarbar reiterated the guidelines to be strictly observed by personnel manning the checkpoints.
“Comelec checkpoint must be well-lighted, shall require motorists to slow down and courteously request to dim their headlights and turn on cabin lights, only visual search is required, and avoid compelling the motorists to open the trunk and compartment of the car or any package therein,” Balarbar said.
Chua reminded his men to be apolitical and non-partisan and carry out their mandates in line with the guidelines set by the Comelec.
“Always be vigilant and remain courteous whenever conducting operations in upholding aggressive stance against all forms of criminality while we give our best to maintaining peace and order during this election period," said Chua.
The start of these checkpoints coincided with the beginning of the gun ban and the filing of Certificates of Candidacy in the barangay elections.
Red teams have been formed to conduct spot inspection of these checkpoints to evaluate the operational readiness of personnel manning them.