A drug suspect was intercepted and arrested by the police while they were conducting a checkpoint at Crossing Luguay in Brgy. Hawaiian, Silay City, at the start of the Comelec gun ban implementation in Negros Occidental Jan. 9.
Ryan Benetua, tagged by the police as a street-level individual drug personality, and a resident of Hacienda Laguda in Brgy. 14, Victorias City, yielded three sachets of suspected shabu and its paraphernalia, when the police flagged him down and asked to present an identification card.
The carrying of firearms outside residences, including those with license and carried by civilians and even authorities not on official duty, are being prohibited by the Commission on Elections during the election period.
P/Lt. Abegael Donasco, deputy spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, encouraged those who want to be exempted from the gun ban to apply for exemptions at the Comelec.
Anyone caught carrying a firearm will be charged for violating the Comelec resolution on the gun ban, as well as additional charges related to Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms, Donasco said.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the PNP suspended the validity of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) issued to licensed firearm holders, juridical entities, and members of government law enforcement agencies.
As stipulated in the resolution, all gun-carrying privileges by virtue of the PTCFOR are suspended for the duration of the election period, on until June 8, 2022.
Also suspended are permits issued by the PNP to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display and exhibits, as well as employment of security personnel for VIPs.
Donasco said that NOCPPO recalled all personnel serving as police escorts of local politicians, in accordance with the Comelec rules and regulations.
Under the Comelec resolution, checkpoints should be located in a well-lit area, and must have a properly-labeled signage bearing the name of the chief of police in the area, with police officers in prescribed uniform.
The public is reminded that they are not compelled to go out of their vehicles for physical checking because the inspection is meant to proceed only through visual search.
“They will not be required to open their glove compartment, trunk, and bags,” the resolution further said.
P/Lt. Liberty Indiape, deputy BCPO spokesperson, also said that simultaneous checkpoints have been established in strategic areas of Bacolod City, in coordination with the Comelec.
In some areas of Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army is assisting the police in manning the checkpoints. | GB
