THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has committed to strictly enforce the gun ban for the MassKara Festival set from October 1 to 23.
Senior Superintendent Flynn Dongbo, acting director of BCPO, said yesterday his office has requested the suspension of permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) in Bacolod through the Police Regional Office (PRO)-18 for the duration of the festival.
This year’s festivities will run from October 1 to 23, but the gun ban will last until a day after the festival ends.
On Wednesday, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution suspending the PTCFOR from October 1 to 24 for the peaceful staging of the 37th MassKara Festival.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, was requested by Dongbo, and concurred by Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Dongbo told the City Council that with the influx of people coming for the festival, “criminal elements may see this as an opportunity to do their nefarious activities and employ means that will endanger the lives and properties of our visitors.”
Distrito said the suspension of PTCFOR or gun ban will be implemented from 8 a.m. of October 1 until 8 a.m. of October 24.
In a separate interview, Dongbo said the gun ban will mean that civilians and non-uniformed personnel are not allowed to carry firearms especially in the festival sites.
He also reminded the public to avoid carrying deadly weapons as they can also be held liable for it if they will be caught.
Policemen will be deployed in streets and at the festival sites, he added.
Leonardia said the suspension of PTCFOR should be implemented in all areas in Bacolod.
Superintendent Noel Polines, head of BCPO Operations Branch, said they will forward the documents for the gun ban request to the Camp Crame for the approval of the Philippine National Police headquarters.
