The top cop of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the suspension of permits to transport and carry firearms outside residence for 10 days in Iloilo City, boosting the security measures for the 2024 Dinagyang Festival.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said PNP chief, General Benjamin Acorda, Jr. signed yesterday a memorandum for the suspension that takes effect from 12:01 a.m. of January 19 until 12:01 a.m. on January 29.
“The gun ban will be strictly enforced across all festival venues, procession routes and related events. ICPO personnel will conduct thorough security checks to ensure compliance with this directive,” ICPO said in a statement.
Coronica said 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.
With the gun ban in effect, carrying sharp objects, deadly weapons, and other contraband is also prohibited.
“We are ensuring a firearm-free Dinagyang Festival. Let’s celebrate together in harmony, respecting the safety measures for a secure and enjoyable time while we devote Señor Santo Niño,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on police matters has yet to conduct a public hearing on the request of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas for a signal shutdown during the highlights of the festival.
SP committee chair lawyer Sedfrey Cabaluna, in an interview, said the PNP has to present a compelling reason to convince the council, otherwise, they remain firm on their previous position not to support the signal shutdown.
“We want to listen to the regional office why they are pushing for this despite the earlier pronouncement of the city,” he said.
Cabaluna said he hoped to have the matter tackled in their regular session on January 24.
He said personally, he is not in favor of the shutdown given the experience last year when even neighboring municipalities and parts of Guimaras complained of no signal.
“I understand when we say shutdown, the whole jurisdiction of the city and the neighboring towns [is affected]. It has an effect on our tourism, on our economy,” he said. (PNA)