The Police Regional Office Mimaropa has established Comelec checkpoints throughout the region in an effort to guarantee a secure and safe 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

Police Brigadier General Joel Doria, Regional Director of PRO Mimaropa, spearheaded the inspection of these established checkpoints on August 28.

These moves come in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 10924, which mandates the prohibition of firearms and other lethal weapons during the 90-day election period spanning from August 28 to November 29, 2023.

This measure is put in place to reinforce the safety protocols for the upcoming elections.

Among the inspected checkpoints were those along the National Highway in Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, supervised by Police Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Driz Jr., the Chief of Police of Calapan City Police Station.

Another checkpoint along the National Road, Brgy. Poblacion, Baco, Oriental Mindoro was overseen by Police Captain Ermin Cabanding, officer-in-charge of the Baco Municipal Police Station.

During the inspection, Doria highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism and adherence to protocols.

“I remind every PNP personnel in the region manning the Comelec checkpoints to observe courtesy at all times and strictly adhere to the PNP’s standard of conduct and behavior,” he stated.

He said that all personnel should closely follow the guidance from higher authorities, wear the correct uniform or “Tamang Bihis”, and remain security conscious and vigilant at all times.

Doria also emphasized the importance of teamwork and vigilance.

“Let us work together and remain vigilant in upholding PRO Mimaropa’s aggressive stance against all forms of criminality while we give our best to maintaining peace and order during this election period,” he conveyed.

The Comelec resolution has stringent rules against the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, even if the person is licensed to possess or carry them, unless explicit authorization is given by the Commission.

Other key figures present during the inspections included Police Colonel Arvin Molina, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PRO Mimaropa; Police Colonel Hordan Pacatiw, Chief of the Regional Operations Division, PRO Mimaropa; Police Colonel Samuyel Delorino, Provincial Director of Oriental Mindoro; and Atty. Suminigay P. Mirindato, Election Supervisor for Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.