Ifugao PNP set up checkpoints for barangay, SK polls
by Vency D. Bulayungan
Lagawe, Ifugao (1 October) -- Police checkpoints have been set up across the province to maintain security for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 25.
These checkpoints were set up to further intensify the enforcement of the nationwide gun ban and contain the movement of partisan armed groups, according to PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Laurence Mombael. The main focus of setting up of checkpoint is to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms which are commonly used in election related violent incidents, he explained.
Mombael said the nationwide gun ban was implemented at 12:01 a.m. on September 25, to last until midnight of November 10.
More checkpoints may be set up as election day approaches depending on the assessment of the intelligence units the PNP, Mombael said. These may be established in barangays where poll-related violent incidents would likely to erupt.
Based on the Joint Letter Directive signed in Camp Crame with top PNP officials, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Elections, the military is tasked to deploy personnel to serve as backup in every checkpoint areas that will be set up by the police.
Meanwhile, PSI Crispin Banes, Lagawe Chief of Police said that aside from the establishment of checkpoints, they conduct operation "kapkap" and constantly remind the police force and the public as well of the prohibitions of the said law.
Hingyon COP, PSI Arthur Bentican said that they monitor the different barangays here and conduct information drive on the said law while PSI Michael Bongtayon, COP of Kiangan said that while they established checkpoints in the area and they conduct constant patrolling to ensure the implementation of the gun ban. (PIA-Ifugao) [top]
