Police personnel conduct checkpoint operations in Taytay, Rizal on Jan. 12, 2025. Kaxandra Salonga, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine National Police on Sunday called on the public to cooperate with security measures in preparation for the May midterm elections, which include Commission on Elections checkpoints that will be put up nationwide.

Police units began putting up the checkpoints midnight Sunday as the election period and the nationwide gun ban officially started.

“These measures, including the gun ban, are critical to ensuring peace and order throughout the election period. By working together, we can achieve a secure and orderly electoral process,” Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the PNP, said in a press release.

Rizal police start checkpoint operations for election season

The PNP said personnel at the checkpoints will follow protocols that will ensure citizens’ rights and privacy.

Among those protocols are the Plain View doctrine, which only allows visual searches.

Police cannot search glove compartments and automobile trunks without a search warrant.

“We urge everyone to be patient and understanding as these security measures are put in place. These are all for your safety, and we ask for your continued cooperation to help make this election season peaceful and secure,” Marbil also said.

The Manila Police District on Saturday held a briefing and send-off for its personnel who will be deployed to the checkpoints while the Rizal Provincial Police Office began checkpoint operations early Sunday morning.

Manila Police District holds briefing and send-off for start of election season

Similar operations have been launched across the Philippines.

Filipinos will cast their votes for national and local officials on May 12, 2025.