The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday launched checkpoints for the implementation of the nationwide gun ban in the lead-in for the 2022 polls.
The checkpoints and the ban on firearms are outlined in the Resolution 10741 of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which states that they will be in effect during the election period that will start on January 9 until June 8 for a total of 150 calendar days.
PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said the establishment of the checkpoints "went well" due to the careful planning with COMELEC.
"Poll officers and other representatives were at the checkpoints to supervise the first day of implementation and they were satisfied with the smooth flow of the inspection process," Carlos said in a statement.
Based on the guidelines from COMELEC, the checkpoints have a properly labeled signage that will inform motorists of the checkpoint.
Officers inspecting must also wear their prescribed uniform while conducting the search.
According to the PNP, the public is not mandated to get out of their cars while the search happens, and they are also not required to open their glove compartment, trunk, and bags.
Further search and inspection will only be carried out if there is "defiance of suspected motorists," the PNP said in its statement.
Carlos also acknowledged the inconvenience it may cause motorists but stressed that it is a strategy to discourage those carrying and transporting firearms amid the ban.
"Overall, no major untoward incident was recorded nationwide. We received full cooperation from the public which is a good start for us since the election period will last until June 8," Carlos said.
The 2022 national election is set for May 9, 2022.
