- PNP, Coast Guard, and Task Force Davao tapped as election frenzy begins
AUTHORITIES, along with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) XI, mounted simultaneous checkpoints in Davao City early Sunday morning, signaling the start of the election season.
Each checkpoint is manned by an eight-member team, led by a commissioned police officer.
Atty. Gay Enumerables, Comelec XI assistant regional director, said they held a kickoff ceremony at the Davao City Police Office headquarters. She also delivered the message from regional director, Atty. Nestor Abas.
“Today, at 8 a.m., we commence the full implementation of the nationwide gun ban in preparation for the May 2025 elections,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of the checkpoints and the gun ban: “The ban on carrying and transporting deadly weapons is not merely a regulation; it is a symbol of our commitment to saving lives and protecting the integrity of the electoral process. By enforcing this measure, we aim to create an environment where every voter can freely and securely exercise their right to choose our nation’s leaders.”
Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, director of Police Regional Office XI, said, “This operation is not a routine task but a vital component of our shared responsibility to uphold democracy and the rule of law.”
“By enforcing the prohibition on firearms and unauthorized security personnel, we are taking important steps to prevent violence, discourage intimidation, and protect the integrity of the electoral process.”
Rosete said the checkpoints send “a strong message that our police force, together with partner agencies, is fully committed to ensuring a secure environment where citizens can cast their votes without fear.”
He urged law enforcement officers to execute their duties with professionalism and impartiality.
Col. Hansen Marantan, acting director of the Davao City Police Office, also shared his thoughts. “We are here to protect something sacred—your right to vote. Every three years, the voices of our citizens are heard in these elections, and we must ensure that these voices prevail.”
Lt. Commander Tristan Jener Erediano, commander of the Davao Coast Guard Station, read a message from Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao.
“Today’s simultaneous checkpoint operation highlights our shared commitment to ensuring a safe and honest election. Every vote counts, and every voice matters. The checkpoints will help deter potential electoral violations and maintain the integrity of the process.”
Erediano said the successful implementation of the checkpoints requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including law enforcement, local government units, civil society organizations, and citizens themselves.”
Col. Rodrigo Mariñas, Task Force Davao commander, concluded the ceremony with a reminder of the significance of the upcoming election: “We are entrusted with securing one of the most sacred events in our nation’s history—the 2025 elections. It is our responsibility to ensure that every Filipino can exercise their rights freely and safely. Let us work with zeal, dedication, and professionalism to ensure a clean, fair, and peaceful election in May.”
