BCPO imposes MassKara gun ban

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has implemented a city-wide gun ban from October 8 to 27 for the celebration of the 40th MassKara Festival.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, public information officer of BCPO, said Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) approved the gun ban request of the city government last October 8.

Pico said the implementation of the gun ban aims to ensure the safety of the people who are enjoying the festivity. “This is also to prevent gun-related incidents during the whole duration of the festival,” he added.

Pico said only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies in agency-prescribed uniforms who are performing official duties will be allowed to carry firearms.

Any person who violates the law will be charged for illegal possession of firearm.

Pico said the BCPO has not recorded any violation since the implementation of the gun ban, three days ago.