CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Laguna Provincial Police Office (PPO) has appealed to motorists to cooperate in the implementation of election checkpoints across the region in line with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30.

Officer-in-Charge Police Colonel Harold Depositar of the Laguna PPO also reminded motorists to always carry their vehicle documents as part of the security procedures.

"To our fellow commuters and motorists and everyone driving public and private vehicles, please be prepared (when passing through checkpoints in the province of Laguna). These checkpoints are implemented to maintain a peaceful and secure election," Depositar said in a radio forum with the Philippine Information Agency-CALABARZON.

He added: "The police officers will identify the type of vehicle - whether it is a motorcycle, car, truck, or any other used on the road - to check if they have the necessary documents such as the official receipt, certificate of registration, and their driver's license."

Joint Philippine National Police and Comelec checkpoints across the Calabarzon region were activated on August 28 and will be implemented until November 29, also the period of election and gun ban.

The Laguna police chief also reminded the public that carrying firearms without a special permit from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is strictly prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.

In a press briefing, PNP Chief Information Officer PBGen. Redrico Maranan said the "plain view doctrine" will be observed in checkpoints which means that motorists only need to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

Maranan also reminded those conducting checkpoints to respect the human rights of motorists by honoring their decision to refuse a body search or enforce an inspection of their vehicle and compartments without consent.

Meanwhile, Depositar assured Laguna residents that his office is open to any reports or concerns from the public and called for their cooperation and support in ensuring a peaceful election.

"Let us be vigilant and inform the police immediately if they find out about any problems involving candidates or disturbances in the barangays," he said. (AM/PIA-4A)