PNP sets poll CL checkpoints 2 slain in shootout, 2 nabbed

By Freddie Velez 

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – |Two gun ban violators were apprehended during checkpoint operations in Central Luzon while two died in a shootout with authorities and five firearms were confiscated.

The Police Regional Office 3 bared this as it launched simultaneous checkpoint operations across the region to intensify security as the election period starts for national and local elective posts.

Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon M. Coronel, Central Luzon police regional director, said that 151 checkpoints were established on Jan. 13 for police interdiction operations and gun ban violators as the nationwide Commission on Elections-imposed gun ban marked its first day.

 “Aside from apprehending gun violators, Comelec checkpoints have also proven effective in the anti-criminality and gun control campaign of the PNP particularly against syndicated crime groups, local insurgents, and holders of loose firearms in the previous elections,” Coronel further stated.

By advocating “secure and fair elections 2019,” Police Regional Office 3, in collaboration with the Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) held a Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing early Jan. 13 in the City of Malolos, marking the official start of the 2019 election period.

The unity walk was attended by prominent election stakeholders composed of leaders, personnel and members of concerned government agencies, religious groups, academe, students, civic and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) started at the Barasoain Church where the participants also converged and held an interfaith prayer rally.

The event was highlighted by the signing of a pledge for clean and honest elections and the releasing of doves.

Chief Supt. Coronel said that similar events were held in the national headquarters and different regional offices to drumbeat the significance of the mid-term elections this May.

“Puspusan ang ginagawa nating paghahanda upang masiguro natin na magiging ligtas at patas ang ating halalan. We assure the public that we are on the right track and highly vigilant in ensuring that there are enough police officers deployed on the street for the maintenance of peace and order especially on D-day. Sasamantalahin ko na din po ang pagkakataong ito upang himukin kayo at hingin ang patuloy ninyong suporta sa aming mga adhikain. We are indeed counting on you so that we can continue to take positive strides forward. Kayang-kaya po natin ito, kapag sama-sama po tayo. Together, let us work for a safe, clean and fair elections,” Coronel added.