PUBLIC ASKED TO COOPERATE AND KNOW THEIR RIGHTS

THE Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) designated 1,000 personnel to man checkpoints to prevent election-related violence and ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the midterm polls in May.

P/Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, police provincial director, appealed for public cooperation at these control points mandated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) primarily to enforce the gun ban.

At the same time, he reminded the public of their rights when passing through checkpoints, emphasizing the following: 1) Drivers and passengers are not required to exit their vehicles or be subjected to searches unless sufficient grounds exist; 2) Opening of the car trunk or compartments is not obligatory.

He encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any irregularities or suspicious activities observed during checkpoint operations as well as any misconduct by law enforcement to ensure accountability and transparency even as he reminded all police personnel to adhere to protocols and conduct only ocular inspections during checkpoint operations, emphasizing that these stops serve not only to enforce the law but also to respect the rights of the public.

The checkpoints and gun ban started on January 12 and will remain in effect until June 11 as part of election period measures.

Meanwhile, P/Lt. Trisha Guzman, PPPO information officer, reported that from January 12 to 16, a total of 11 firearms were surrendered, two were deposited, and 12 were confiscated, with one documented during the checkpoint operations.

Owners voluntarily surrendered their firearms due to their inability to renew the licenses, while the deposited firearms will be temporarily held by authorities with plans for future renewal. (Ahikam Pasion)

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