Checkpoints set up as election period for 2023 BSKE starts

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started setting up checkpoints and implementing gun ban in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.

A report by Bam Alegre in Unang Balita on Monday said a checkpoint was set up at the boundaries of San Juan and Quezon City and of San Juan and Sta. Mesa, Manila.

In Mandaluyong, there was notable police visibility in primary roads like in Kalentong.

Meanwhile, in Parañaque City, a checkpoint was established on Sucat Interchange near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

On Quirino Highway in Quezon City, a checkpoint was also set up.

Policemen appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and assured them that "plain view doctrine" will be observed.

This  means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

"Ito ay in relation sa start ng Barangay and SK Election period wherein tayo ay mandated na mag-conduct ng joint PNP and Comelec checkpoints," said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo, commander of Novaliches Police Station.

(This is in relation to the Barangay and SK election wherein we are mandated to conduct joint Philippine National Police and Comelec checkpoints.)

Quezon City Police District chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III also appealed to the public to cooperate in election-related checkpoints.

“Sa atin namang kababayan, medyo konting pagpapasensya, may kaunting inconvenience na nangyayari sapagkat ito ay part ng proseso ng ating bansa. So, makipag-cooperate lang tayo diyan sa checkpoint, slow down, open your lights and present the documents when demanded,” he said in an Unang Balita interview.

(To our countrymen, please be patient for the inconveniences. Please cooperate in checkpoints.)

The QCPD chief said he already instructed his subordinates to follow the standard operational procedures.

Torre also said he delegated his deputy for operations the cooperation with the Commission on Elections and other stakeholders the conduct of checkpoints.

The Barangay and SK elections will be held on October 30. —with Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA Integrated News