The campaign and start of one of the more impactful positions in the country kicked off as a festive mood was held for the filing and official campaign of those running for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

In the same light, the Philippine National Police has created various checkpoints to ensure security as the gun ban is likewise implemented.

The PNP said that police officers must respect motorists if they refuse body-search or inspection of vehicles at election-related checkpoints.

PNP chief information officer Police Brigadier General Red Maranan said that the inspection only goes “as far as the eyes and see.”

This is the plain view doctrine which means that  motorists only need to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles.

“’Yung pagkapkap, pagbukas ng glove compartment or box ng motor ay ‘yun naman ay kung may consent ng owner, puwede naman ‘yon. Kung sakaling tumanggi ang driver or operator ng motor ay hindi dapat pinipilit,” he added.

Should the motorist continue to refuse,  authorities should courteously talk to the driver and ask them if they can check the motor box.

Meanwhile, warning shots may be fired for those chasing those escaping checkpoints.

“Nasa police operational procedure ‘pag may tumakbo sa checkpoint, ‘yun ay ating hahabulin by using our mobile cars or motorcycle,” he said.

So far, Maranan said there are no major untoward incidents reported in their implementation of election-related checkpoints.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) coordinated with the PNP for the set up checkpoints as part of the start of the election period for the 2023 BSKE.

The Barangay and SK elections will be held on October 30.