Gun ban imposed in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo yesterday imposed a gun ban in Cagayan after 12 high-profile shooting incidents took place in the province this year, the latest of which was the slay attempt on Tuguegarao City Mayor Delfin Ting last Nov. 15.

With the gun ban, Bacalzo also suspended indefinitely permits to carry firearms outside residences to allow the police to address the peace and order situation.

Bacalzo said 120 members of the Special Action Force were sent to Cagayan to help the local police arrest the situation.

The PNP chief also created Task Force Cagayan headed by Chief Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, regional police director, to address the peace and order problem.

For his part, Villaroman said, “We will be prioritizing Cagayan in our efforts to dismantle (the) remnants of private armies. We will not spare anyone, whether political groups or crime syndicates.” – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Raymund Catindig and Charlie Lagasca