PNP approves 3-day ‘gun ban’ for Bacolaodiat

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has approved the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) or the so-called gun ban during the 15th Bacolaodiat Festival here.

In a press briefing at the BCPO headquarters yesterday Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, public information officer of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said they received the order from the PNP national headquarters last Thursday.

The citywide PTCFOR suspension will be implemented from January 31 until 12 a.m. of February 3.

“It will not just cover the two festival sites but the whole city in the entire duration of the festivity,” Pico said.

He said the gun ban also covers the suspension of permit to carry firearms outside residence.

“This is our way to prevent crimes especially gun-related incidents for the safety of the revelers,” he said. Those who will violate the law will be facing two criminal charges for illegal possession of firearm, and gun ban, he added.

Only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies in agency-prescribed uniforms who perform official duties will be allowed to carry firearms.

Meanwhile, almost 1,000 policemen and force multipliers will be deployed in the festival sites – Bacolod Government Center and Lacson Tourism Strip, and the streets to ensure peace and order during the festivity.

The security force includes 560 from the BCPO, 250 augmentation forces from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), and 100 force multipliers.