GUIMARAS – As part of the security measures for this year’s Manggahan Festival, the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) will be enforcing a gun ban during the highlight of the celebrations.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin Acorda himself approved the request of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 for a gun ban from May 19 (12:01 a.m.) to May 23 (11:59 p.m.).
The Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence will be suspended. Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties are allowed to carry firearms, according to the GPPO headed by Police Colonel Richard B. Baluis.
The GPPO urged the public to cooperate to ensure peace and order during the festivities.
The month-long Manggahan Festival 2023 began on April 29 with an “Imbukada” through a grand caravan, with delegates from the five municipalities of the province converging at the provincial capitol grounds.
The anticipated Mango-Eat-All-You-Can will return from May 19 to 22.
The Provincial Office for Agriculture Services allotted 10 tons of mangoes for the Mango-Eat-All-You-Can, where guests can feast on the fruit for P150 within 30 minutes.
The celebration will culminate on May 22 in conjunction with the 31st anniversary of Guimaras becoming a province.
Five competing “hubons” from the municipalities and a non-competing group from Guimaras State University will showcase the rich culture and history of Guimaras in the Manggahan Cultural Competition.
On the last night of the festival, a fireworks display will be held at the capitol grounds, followed by performances by two big OPM rock bands: Rivermaya and Mayonnaise./PN
