In connection with the May 2022 National and Local Elections, the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion, Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections personnel are conducting simultaneous checkpoint operations to strictly implement the nationwide gun ban until June 8.
The checkpoints were activated midnight of Jan. 9 in barangays Luz, Hilaitan, Buenavista of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and in the poblacions of Isabela, Moises Padilla, and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.
These checkpoints aim to strictly enforce the confiscation of all loose firearms and deadly weapons, apprehension of wanted personalities, and deterrence of armed groups and other violators who might spoil the conduct of national and local elections, the 62IB said in a statement.
Checkpoints are manned based on the guidelines provided for by the poll body and duly administered by the PNP, Comelec, and PA. These anti-criminality operations against loose firearms, unauthorized private armed groups, criminal elements, and wanted personalities are vital in attaining credible, honest, orderly, and peaceful elections throughout Central Negros, it added.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10728, all permits to carry firearms will be temporarily suspended, and the ban on bearing, carrying, and transporting of firearms, or other deadly weapons are strictly prohibited. Only bonafide police, military, and other members of law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on duty, shall be allowed to carry their issued firearms.
Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, commanding officer of the 62IB, said, “The troops of 62IB will strictly implement the nationwide prohibition on carrying loose firearms and will restrict the movement of CTGs, lawless elements, and election spoilers in Central Negros”. |NND
