CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) launched simultaneous checkpoints across Central Luzon on Sunday, January 12, to tighten security as the election period kicks off for national and local posts.
Newly-appointed PRO3 Regional Director PBGen Jean S. Fajardo announced the deployment of 2,438 police officers manning 314 checkpoints across the region. The operations aim to enforce the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban, which runs from January 12 to June 11, 2025.
Authorities reported 25 individuals apprehended for carrying firearms on the first day of the operations: six in Bataan, two in Bulacan, eight in Nueva Ecija, six in Pampanga, and three in Zambales.
PBGen Fajardo urged the public to cooperate with checkpoint protocols, reminding motorists to slow down, dim their headlights, turn on cabin lights, and respond courteously to officers.
“Our personnel are instructed to strictly follow the guidelines in our Revised Police Operational Procedures and remain courteous to motorists,” Fajardo assured.
The gun ban prohibits the carrying and transportation of firearms, deadly weapons, and explosives, with violators facing up to 12 years in prison.
Fajardo emphasized that these measures are crucial in ensuring peaceful and orderly elections. “The PRO3 remains committed to upholding the law and safeguarding public safety during the election period,” she said.