The Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) is eyeing Boracay Island as a pilot area for its proposed gun-free zone, the regional top cop Brigadier General Jack Wanky announced yesterday.
In a media conference, Wanky said the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), during its fourth quarter meeting on November 22, approved a resolution enjoining all local government units in Western Visayas to adopt Project PRO-6 Gun-Free Zones and pass an ordinance for its implementation in their identified tourist destinations.
The establishment of the gun-free zone is mandated by Republic Act RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, he said.
“The purpose is for local government units to pass an ordinance identifying these specific areas where they will declare a gun-free zone. It will depend on the recommendation of the chief of police and other law enforcement agencies in the area,” Wanky said.
Wanky said the gun-free zone will create a positive image of the area.
“Western Visayas is one of the areas where we have plenty of tourist destinations,” he added.
Since it is gun-free, even those with permits to carry firearms are not allowed to bring guns. Police officers who will patrol the area will have no guns.
However, teams from Special Weapons and Tactics will be assigned to strategic locations to respond in case of emergency.
He said they are also trying to change the mindset that police officers should be bringing guns.
The use of firearms should always be the last option, he added.
The initiative is also expected to lessen crimes with the use of firearms.
Wanky said there will be a team that will coordinate with officials in Malay, Aklan, for the establishment of the gun-free zone in Boracay.
Meanwhile, Wanky also presided over the turnover of office ceremonies for the chiefs of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) at the regional headquarters in Iloilo yesterday.
From APPO, Colonel Victorino Romanillos, Jr. swapped posts with Colonel Arnel Ramos of the RMFB.
Wanky said their relief from posts is just a normal movement since Romanillos is almost reaching a two-year tenure as provincial director of APPO. (PNA)