GUIMARAS – To ensure the safety of tourists and visitors flocking to this island province for the Manggahan Festival, the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) has enforced a gun ban effective throughout May.
Gov. Joaquin Carlos “JC” Rahman Nava said the ban, which started on May 1, will last until May 31.
During this period, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has suspended all permits to carry firearms outside residences (PTCFOR).
“The request for the cancellation of PTCFOR for May was approved. From May 1 to May 30, the carrying of firearms will be suspended,” said Nava.
With the suspension of PTCFOR, only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies on official duty will be permitted to carry firearms during the festival celebrations.
This year’s Manggahan Festival is expected to attract 100,000 tourists and visitors, buoyed by an array of activities and performances, including those by celebrities and bands, particularly on weekends.
Anticipating a large turnout, Governor Nava has also requested the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to allow extended operating hours for pump boats and ro-ro vessels.
“We requested an extension of our sea vessels’ trips as our accommodations are fully booked. On weekends, we need to extend operations until 2 a.m. for pump boats and midnight for ro-ro vessels,” Nava explained.
Extended sea vessel operations from Iloilo City to Guimaras and vice versa will apply on May 3-6, 12-15, and 19-23.
The provincial government has allocated P35 million for the Manggahan Festival 2024, a significant increase from the P20 to P25 million budgeted in 2023.
Expecting heavy foot traffic, the number of days for the Mango Eat-All-You-Can event has been extended from four days in 2023 to 12 days this year.
The provincial government is preparing 20 tons of ripe mangoes for the event, doubling the eight tons consumed by approximately 5,000 tourists and visitors last year./PN
