• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has opposed the proposed four-day gun ban requested by the Bacolod City Police Office during the MassKara Festival celebration.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, who authored the resolution against the proposed blanket firearm prohibition, stressed that law enforcement efforts should focus on individuals with malicious intent rather than law-abiding citizens.
The resolution, approved by the SP Sept. 30, states that responsible gun owners undergo strict regulatory processes under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to earn the privilege of carrying firearms outside their residence, often due to inherent threats connected to their profession or trade.
Espino pointed out that restricting legal firearm holders does not follow logic, adding that enforcement against illegal gun holders should be a daily standard rather than a temporary restriction on permit holders.
The resolution urges the police force to pivot its strategy toward intensifying operations against loose, unregistered, and illegally-possessed firearms, while also suppressing gun-running activities in the city.
The SP clarified that opposing a total gun ban does not diminish its commitment to maintaining peace and order during the 18-day celebration that started Oct. 1.
Meanwhile, BCPO director, P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, said Oct. 1 that they respect the decision of the SP.
“What our agency is looking into is prevention, considering what is currently happening in our surroundings and other regions. We are not opposing the recommendation of the city government; whatever they recommend, we respect that,” Rebadomia added. | TMD
