Police Defend Arrest Over Illegal Campaigning
The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) firmly stood by its decision to arrest a driver linked to a mayoral candidate in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, citing the strict enforcement of election laws. The incident happened on Election Day, raising questions about the timing and justification of the arrest.
Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo addressed the controversy during a press briefing, stating, “Lumalabas na kinukuwestyon ang naging aksyon ng inyong pambansang pulisya kung bakit natin siya hinuli noong mismong Araw ng Eleksyon.” This translates to concerns about why the national police arrested the individual on Election Day itself.
She emphasized that the arrest was due to a clear violation of election laws, particularly illegal campaigning. “Ito ay lantarang paglabag sa umiiral ng mga batas lalong-lalo sa illegal campaigning. Alam po natin na natapos ang pangangampanya noong May 10. Natapos yan at hindi na nga po pinapayagan,” she explained.
Details Behind the Illegal Campaigning Arrest
According to police reports, Alphonse Abuan Troncosom, 62, who drives for the mayoral candidate Atty. Earl Tan, was apprehended for allegedly distributing food packs to voters near a polling station on Election Day. The vehicle he was driving displayed campaign posters, which is prohibited after the official campaign period ended on May 10.
The city police acted upon a tip from a concerned citizen who saw the vehicle near Tungkong Mangga Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers reportedly caught Troncosom distributing food packs, leading to his arrest under election laws against illegal campaigning.
Candidate’s Response to the Arrest
The mayoral candidate criticized the police action, questioning the basis for the arrest. He asked, “Bawal na pala dito sa lungsod natin magmaneho ng ganitong sasakyan? Ano ang electioneering dyan? Naghahatid ng pagkain at tubig bawal?” which means, “Is it illegal to drive this kind of vehicle in our city? What electioneering? Delivering food and water is illegal?”
He further pointed out the inconsistency, noting that government vehicles carry official markings, yet his privately owned vehicle was targeted. “Lahat ng sasakyan ng city government may name at mukha nyo, poste, pader, etc. Itong sasakyan ko privately owned ito, huhulihin niyo at poposasan? Anong kaso? Kung kaya niyo gawin ito sa driver ko at sasakyan ko, paano na lang sa mga ordinaryong tao?” he added.
Understanding Illegal Campaigning Enforcement
This case highlights the police’s strict stance on illegal campaigning, which includes activities like distributing goods to influence voters outside the official campaign period. Authorities assert that such measures ensure a fair and regulated election process.
While the arrest has sparked debate, election law experts remind the public that the campaign period must be respected, and violations can lead to penalties, including arrests.
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