ILOILO City – There must be a gun ban during big events as part of security measures, according to Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, Police Colonel Martin Defensor. The ban should be imposed a week before the events begin, he added.
In a letter requesting for a resolution for such, Defensor reminded the Sangguniang Panlungsod that the city would be hosting two big events in the next two months – Dinagyang Festival in January and Jaro Fiesta in February.
There’s also Holy Week in March, he added.
“A gun ban is a big help in crime prevention…We need to maintain peace and order,” said Defensor.
Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo welcomed Defensor’s suggestion but he would rather have the gun ban take effect two days before an event and extend it for two more days after the event.
During a gun ban, permits to carry firearms outside of residence issued to civilians are suspended. Only law enforcers are allowed to carry guns but they must be in uniform./PN
