The Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental has intensified its operations with three daily checkpoints to enforce the election gun ban and address traffic violations.

This comes after eight PHPT personnel completed a deputation seminar by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Cebu City.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Aurelio Bodo said the deputation allows them to confiscate driver’s licenses and issue temporary operator’s permits (TOPs) for traffic violations.

These permits are issued until fines and penalties are settled with the LTO.

Despite this, Bodo noted the challenge of covering the entire province with just eight deputized personnel.

While no other police officers are deputized by the LTO, non-deputized personnel can only issue citation tickets for local traffic violations.

The PHPT also works with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local police units for joint checkpoints related to the gun ban.

From January 12, the PHPT issued 95 TOPs across Dumaguete, Bindoy, Siaton, and nearby areas.

Common violations include driving without a license, failure to wear helmets or seatbelts, and unregistered vehicles. The team also enforces laws like the Anti-Carnapping Act and the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. (PNA)