ILOILO City – In preparation for the May 13, 2019 midterm polls the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Western Visayas has activated the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).
The five-month election period officially started on Jan. 13. It ends on June 12.
Activating the RJSCC is in line with Comelec Resolution No. 10466 which sets the rules and regulations on the election gun ban and the prohibition on the employment, availment or engagement of services of security personnel or bodyguards during the election period.
According to Superintendent Joem Malong, spokespersons of the Police Regional Office 6, all elections-related activities will be reported to the center.
BRACE FOR CHECKPOINTS
Yesterday, the police started setting up checkpoints. Comelec central office spokesperson James Jimenez said poll officials will conduct inspections of checkpoints.
He advised motorists on how to spot a legitimate checkpoint.
“The election period means motorist will start seeing that checkpoints are already on the streets. But remember (that) the checkpoints have to be situated in well-lit areas,” said Jimenez.
Checkpoints have to be clearly marked with a big checkpoint sign, which says “Comelec checkpoint.”
The sign must contain the name and contact information of the election officer who is in charge of the area.
“It must also contain the name and contact information of the police officer who is in charge of the checkpoint,” the poll body official said.
Checkpoints must be manned by personnel in proper uniform.
“Check their feet. Sometimes people who are pretending to be legitimate police officers forget and wear rubber shoes or slippers. So check their feet. Pero tip lang iyan (That is only a tip),” the poll body official added.
The poll body earlier released guidelines on the prohibited acts during the six-month election period:
* transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service
* bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the Commission
* use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission
The campaign period for senators and party-list groups will start on Feb. 12.
For those who will run for local positions, the campaign period will begin on March 29. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
