Bear with checkpoints as election nears—PNP asks Bataeños

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Philippine National Police (PNP) here affirmed that they will “relentlessly push” intensified operations to secure zero-violence elections come May.

This is why PNP-Bataan Director PSSupt. Rhodel Sermonia has asked the public to be understanding of the necessary checkpoints in major thoroughfares including in Ala-uli intersection in Pilar town, and in Palihan, Hermosa town.

“Checkpoints are now on full swing and the public is advised to be cooperative and understanding of the inconvenience these checkpoints will cause upon them,” Sermonia said.

The provincial director said he reminded the cops to be courteous to motorists at all times and to strictly observe the rules and operational procedures in the conduct of checkpoints.

Apart from various checkpoints set up in all municipalities and city of Bataan, heightened police operations against criminality are carried out.“As authorities look onward to ascertain a peaceful and orderly election in May this year, the Philippine National Police force in Bataan will relentlessly push for simultaneous and intensified interdiction operations against identified felons and wanted persons,” Sermonia added.

Particular in this beefed up drive is the “aggressive accounting” of loose firearms which Sermonia said are used by persons and groups to intimidate voters and influence the results of the elections.

The public is also reminded that the prohibition on transporting firearms is in full Gun owners are directed to refrain from carrying their firearm unless they have the exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

In a separate interview, COMELEC-Bataan supervisor Atty. Gilbert Almario said he is confident that PNP will effect a clean and orderly election given the zero-violence outcome the province achieved in the last 2013 midterm polls.“Bataan has a history of clean elections. Though we are always on watch, we can expect a peaceful election,” Almario said.