Permit to carry guns suspended for Dinagyang Festival

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome has approved the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) in Iloilo for the duration of the Dinagyang Festival.

 Bartolome said the suspension of PTCFOR including the processing of applications for new permits or renewal would be implemented from Jan. 15 to 23.

“The suspension of PTCFOR is another bold initiative to strengthen the security measures for this year’s Dinagyang Festival,” said Western Visayas police regional director Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol.

 Querol, however, said the gun ban does not apply to provincial governors, municipal mayors and barangay captains.

 “Members of the PNP, the AFP and other law enforcement agencies who are on duty are exempted from the suspension of PTCFOR,” he added.

For security guards wearing prescribed uniforms and covered with duty detail orders issued by their respective security agencies, the exemption shall not exceed 24 hours, Querol said.

Querol said he directed the Iloilo City Police Office and other police units in Western Visayas to disseminate information governing the suspension of PTCFOR.

He also called on the public to cooperate in the campaign to ensure the security and safety of everyone.

 “All our efforts are aimed not only to make the Dinagyang Festival successful but also for everyone to enjoy revelry and feel the spirit of the celebration,” he said.