The Philippine National Police said the 2,700 body-worn cameras (BWCs) procured for police officers nationwide will be used in checkpoint operations as part of security measures for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The filing of the certificate of candidacy for BSKE started on Aug. 28 and will run until Sept. 2.
PNP Public Information Office Chief, B/Gen. Redrico Maranan told reporters that police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of personnel across the nation more than two months ahead of the Oct. 30 polls.
The PNP chief has also reminded police officers to treat all individuals with utmost courtesy and respect at checkpoints and hold inspections in a professional and non-disruptive manner.
The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Commission on Elections Resolution 10924 to implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.
The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec.
Maranan added they will continue to monitor the 27 areas of grave concern for the BSKE.
“We will still wait for the en banc resolution coming from the Comelec so that we can finalize those that are actually in the red category so that we can conduct workshop and validation as soon as possible and as soon the en banc resolution has been released,” said Maranan.
He added that data on these areas have yet to be validated by the PNP, together with the Comelec, the military, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The election period for the Oct. 30 village and youth polls will run until Nov. 29 while the campaign period is set from Oct. 19 to 28. – PNA
