The Southern Police District (SPD) started the implementation of the gun ban and Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints in different areas under its jurisdiction on Jan. 12 in line with the May 12 national and local elections.
“We urge the community to cooperate with law enforcement officers to ensure a safe and orderly election process. Carrying firearms without proper authorization is prohibited,” SPD reminded the public.
SPD has jurisdiction over the cities of Muntinlupa, Taguig, Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas and Parañaque, and the municipality of Pateros.
In Muntinlupa, Comelec Election Officer Atty. Kimberly Joy Alzate-Cu and Police chief Col. Robert Domingo led the implementation of the gun ban and checkpoints.
The locations of the checkpoints in Muntinlupa are in front of the South Park Center in Alabang, Pedro Diaz Street corner Amparo Street in Barangay Poblacion, Manuel L. Quezon road in Barangay Sucat and Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Alabang.
The Muntinlupa Police stated that the checkpoints are “to prevent unlawful activities, ensure fair elections, and promote peace and order.”
Muntinlupa Police flag vehicles at Comelec checkpoints in Muntinlupa (Photos from Muntinlupa Police)
In Pateros, Election Officer Armando Mallorca and acting police chief Col. Anthony Gantang launched the checkpoints in the municipality.
According to the Comelec, “During the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.”
The gun ban will be in effect from Jan. 12 to June 11.
During the period, unless authorized by Comelec, the following acts are prohibited, according to the commission:
- To carry firearms and deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places.
- To engage the services of security personnel
- To transport firearms and/or their parts, ammunitions and/or their components, and explosives and/or their components and/or controlled chemicals.
Those found violating the gun will receive penalties of imprisonment from one to six years, permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote, and deportation for foreigners after the prison term is served.
A Comelec checkpoint in Pateros (Photos from Pateros Election Officer Armando Mallorca)