Regional Election Director Atty. Fransisco G. Pobe (center) discussing the guidelines for the election period during the Regional Joint Security and Control Center (RJSCC) 7 Coordinating and Command Conference in Cebu City. (MSH/PIA7 Cebu)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – In preparation for the May 2025 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 7 emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the prohibitions and the active participation of deputized agencies in implementing election policies.
During the recent Regional Joint Security and Control Center (RJSCC) 7 Coordinating and Command Conference in Cebu City, regional election director Atty. Fransisco G. Pobe highlighted the importance of coordination among deputized agencies to streamline policy enforcement and enhance the overall security of the electoral process.
This approach ensures that all stakeholders involved in the electoral process operate with a unified perspective to minimize miscommunication and fosters effective policy execution.
“With this Joint Security Control Center in tandem with the respective election monitoring and assistance center for purposes of making it and to see to it that all activities these days are properly coordinated,” he said.
Gun Ban enforcement
Atty. Pobe emphasized the enforcement of the total gun ban, which begins on January 12, 2025, will remain in effect for 150 days.
Individuals with existing permits to carry firearms will have their permits suspended at the start of the campaign period.
“Despite the fact that you have the authority to carry a firearm, you still have to ask for the exemption,” Pobe said.
Pobe said that those who wanted to avail an exemption must file it online through Comelec’s website: comelec.gov.ph.
“If you are going to ask for exceptions, you can look at the access, the comelec.gov.ph and then find at the options the issues or the concerns that you are going to avail,” he said.
Availing through online has corresponding application and fees, along with other necessary attachments for the certificate of authority to carry firearms outside residence.
For election purposes, Pobe said that members of uniformed personnel are only allowed to carry firearms while on duty and are in uniform as a basis.
He also said that members of the intelligence community are the only people that are allowed to carry firearms without uniform.
Comelec checkpoints
Pobe said that the establishment and monitoring of Comelec checkpoints are crucial for the safety of residents and prevent election-related violence.
While the general rule is one checkpoint per city or municipality, additional checkpoints may be established depending on the peace and order conditions of the area.
“Requirement for a Comelec checkpoint has always been headed by a commission or officer, the members of PNP, AFP or PCG,” Pobe said.
He also said that additional Comelec checkpoints are also in coordination with the commission elections, election officers, or provincial election supervisors for the province.
Pobe said that other than the Comelec checkpoint, a spot checkpoint may be established.
“In case of the spot checkpoint, there’s always coordination with the elections officers. Otherwise, that Comelec checkpoint will not be acknowledged or cannot be recognized by the Commission on Elections for purposes of identifying that establishment,” Pobe said.
A properly established Comelec checkpoint must have clear signage indicating its official status.
Motorists passing through these checkpoints can expect uniformed personnel to conduct inspections in a transparent and respectful manner, always prioritizing public safety and adherence to legal protocols.
“We are going to strictly observe the implementation of policies to protect and enforce the interest of the public,” Pobe assured.
For more information, the public is encouraged to visit the official Comelec website at comelec.gov.ph. (MSH/PIA7 Cebu)
