Security checkpoints for the upcoming election period will enforce not only the election gun ban but also violations of national laws and local ordinances, a police official said yesterday.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), confirmed that the checkpoints, set to begin on Sunday, January 12, will be manned by police, Army personnel, and representatives from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

These checkpoints will cover a range of violations, including traffic and election-related offenses.

The official start of the election period will be marked by a ceremony at a checkpoint in Valencia town, with Comelec, Army and police officials in attendance.

Unlike previous years, where checkpoints began at 12:01 a.m. on the first day, the Comelec has rescheduled the checkpoints to begin at 8:00 a.m.

Polinar said that aside from enforcing the gun ban, violations such as failure to wear helmets, driving without a license, and expired or missing vehicle registration papers will also be addressed.

Only individuals authorized by the Comelec to carry firearms will be allowed to bring guns outside their homes, and they must be properly concealed.

A challenge facing the Philippine National Police (PNP) is the lack of deputation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which means that police officers manning the checkpoints cannot confiscate driver’s licenses or issue temporary operators permits for traffic violations.

The PNP has not received LTO deputation in Negros Oriental for years.

Currently, six members of the PNP Highway Patrol Team are attending an LTO deputation seminar in Cebu City.

PEMS Aurelio Bodo, chief of the PNP Highway Patrol Team in Negros Oriental, assured that his team will assist in managing checkpoints at strategic locations across the province. (PNA)