As the election period approaches, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Antique, in collaboration with the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO), is gearing up to establish checkpoints across the province. This initiative is set to begin on January 12, coinciding with the start of the election period and the enforcement of a gun ban. Wil Arceño, the Acting Assistant Regional Director of Comelec-Western Visayas and the Antique Provincial Election Supervisor, announced these measures during an interview on January 7, 2025.
Arceño emphasized that the checkpoints will serve to monitor individuals carrying firearms, including those with permits to carry outside their residences. He advised all gun holders to obtain an exemption from Comelec to avoid violating the gun ban. The ban extends to air guns, firearm replicas, and explosives, categorizing them as deadly weapons.
Additionally, Arceño recommended that elective officials apply for security personnel, primarily police officers, as their current security details will be recalled starting January 12. While Comelec will approve these security requests, the APPO will determine the specific assignments.
Arceño also highlighted that no transfers of detailed personnel under the Civil Service Commission will be allowed starting January 12, though local government units can appoint new personnel until March 28. He confirmed that the printing of official ballots for Antique has been completed, with the national and local elections scheduled for May 12.