• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now enforcing a gun ban in Bacolod City as part of the security measures in the ongoing 45th MassKara Festival.
In a memorandum, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the gun ban started Oct. 11 and will end on Oct. 27.
Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies, performing official duties, and in agency prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms for the duration of the festival.
The Police Regional Office-6, upon the request of the Bacolod City government and Bacolod City Police Office, approved the enforcement of the gun ban.
During this period, the carrying of firearms, even of those issued with permits to carry firearms outside of residence, is prohibited.
Almost 1,900 security personnel of the PNP and other law enforcement agencies have been tasked to secure the festivities.
The PNP is still assessing the potential for signal jamming and is awaiting intelligence validation regarding any threats to the city.
Additionally, they have requested an executive order to ban drone flying at festival sites, except for those operated by the PNP and the festival organizer Bacolod Yuhum Foundation. | GB
