LOILO CITY, Philippines - The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a total gun ban during the Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals. Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) to implement the total gun ban, which Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr. initially recommended. "All permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) are hereby suspended for five days effective January 12-16 in the Province of Aklan and seven days effective January 17-23 in Iloilo City," Bacalzo ordered.
"Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms," Bacalzo stressed. He explained that this is part of the security preparations for Western Visayas' two most famous festivals. Bacalzo ordered the gun ban to be implemented through police integrated patrol system including conducting a series of checkpoints. Querol earlier explained that the gun ban will prevent any crimes that may arise because of possession of firearms. Meanwhile, PRO-6 will be on full alert during the highlight of the two festivals. Thousands of police will be deployed while barangay peacekeeping action teams, police interns, and retired policemen will also augment the police security forces
