MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office records 20 positive operations on loose firearms in the province in its 1,620 checkpoints from January 12 to February 9 that led to the apprehension of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban violators.
“Since January 12, 2025, we have had nine recorded crime incidents relating to the election, particularly the gun ban. We confiscated different kinds and calibers of firearms from these violators and filed the appropriate cases and actions,” said Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PLtCol. Mardy Hortillosa.
His report also discloses the voluntary surrender of 10 firearms within the same timeframe. Hortillosa said the presence of checkpoints discourages criminal activities because offenders know there is a high likelihood of being stopped, searched, or apprehended. Criminals may avoid areas with frequent checkpoints, reducing illegal activities in those locations.
Procedure on record
Hortillosa emphasized that the PNP personnel manning the checkpoints in their area of responsibility are equipped with body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices as a means of capturing videos during police operations.
“The use of these devices provides several key benefits during checkpoint operations, such as transparency and accountability—these can record interactions between officers and the public, ensuring proper procedures are followed and reducing the likelihood of misconduct or abuse of power,” Hortillosa stressed.
According to Hortillosa, PNP personnel wear body cameras as means of also protecting themselves against false accusations of misconduct or use of excessive force.
He also expressed that the presence of body cameras fosters trust between law enforcement and the community, as people feel reassured that checkpoint procedures are conducted fairly and lawfully.
“We are closely monitoring all areas and municipalities in the province as a measure to prevent possible incidents, not just election-related incidents,” said Hortillosa.
To uphold the integrity of the electoral process, Hortillosa pointed out that the PNP is also strengthening covert activities, monitoring, and coordination with other agencies and stakeholders as measures to prevent election-related incidents, such as vote buying and vote selling.
Checkpoint experience
For his part, El Salvador City Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Teodulfo B. Bombeo underscored that checkpoints serve as control points.
“It is beneficial to the public as it serves as a control point wherein all vehicles, private or public, are mandated to stop for a check-up, especially on bringing in guns and drugs. It’s a strategy to discourage people who want to sabotage peace and order,” Bombeo said.
Manrico S. Bullecer, a human resource management consultant and resident of Medina town, shares his thoughts on these checkpoints. He regularly traverses the roads and highways of Misamis Oriental and initially thought that the checkpoints bring inconvenience to motorists.
“Can you just imagine in every town nga malabyan naay (every town there is a) checkpoint? But then again, let’s go through the process; kung mao nia ang balaod (if that is the law), then all shall follow,” Bullecer said.
He went on to say that the community is safer if there is police visibility and that the implementation of the checkpoints and COMELEC gun ban will help in preventing election-related violence.
“Sakyan man gud ang panahon if wala’y mag check, especially unauthorized or nag-carry lang og firearm for personal use; dapat naa gyud permit to carry (People might take advantage of situations when no one is checking, especially unauthorized or carrying a firearm for personal use; they need to have a permit to carry such.),” Bullecer said.
He also hopes that law enforcement personnel remain nonpartisan and are not used by certain politicians during the election season.
As this year’s national and local elections approach, 19,703 checkpoints were already conducted in northern Mindanao from January 12 to February 20, 2025, according to PMaj. Joann Navarro, spokesperson for PNP Police Regional Office-10.
Navarro reports that of the 33 total number of arrested– 28 are civilians, four are from law enforcement agencies, and one is a security guard. All 33 firearms were also confiscated.
Appropriate cases were also filed against apprehended individuals and civil servants found violating the COMELEC gun ban will also face administrative liabilities. (SAYU/PIA-10)
