Comelec Checkpoints Launched to Ensure Secure May Polls

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental launched Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint operations on Sunday, Jan. 12, to strengthen security ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

The checkpoints mark the start of the election period, which will run until June 11, aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly polls.

The primary objective is to prevent the carrying, bearing, or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons, as well as to maintain peace and order nationwide. Checkpoints also assess regional security conditions to provide a safe environment for voters and officials.

Comelec provincial chairman Ian Lee Ananoria, along with Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, Police Col. Roland Bulalacao, chief of the Regional Staff of Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6), and Police Col. Rainerio de Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), led the simultaneous kickoff of checkpoints along the Talisay City highway.

Personnel were reminded to strictly follow Comelec’s guidelines for checkpoint operations to ensure election-related security measures are properly enforced.

The provincial police force is using a mobile application to enhance real-time monitoring of checkpoints. The app provides immediate tracking of the location, time, and personnel manning the checkpoints, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the election period.

In Bacolod City, Police Col. Joeresty Coronica led checkpoint operations along Banago Road. The checkpoints are crucial to enforcing the Comelec gun ban, which aims to prevent election-related violence, uphold the rule of law, and maintain public peace and order.

The Bacolod City Police Office’s (BCPO) checkpoint initiative underscores its commitment to protecting the community and ensuring a peaceful, honest, and orderly electoral process.

These proactive measures deter illegal activities, particularly those involving firearms, and reinforce the importance of following election laws.