ILOILO City – With tens of thousands of revelers expected to flood the streets for Dinagyang Festival, police authorities have ordered a citywide 10-day gun ban to prevent violence and tighten security at the height of the celebrations.
The ban, approved by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., suspends all permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) within Iloilo City from 12:01 a.m. of January 15 until 11:59 p.m. of January 25.
According to Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Kim Legada, the restriction applies even to licensed gun holders.
“During this period, gun holders with permits to carry will not be allowed to bring their firearms anywhere in Iloilo City,” Legada said.
Exemptions will be rare and strictly regulated, he stressed.
“Even personnel in civilian attire who are allowed to carry firearms must be officially part of the peace and order security and task group for Dinagyang. They must have proper written orders. Otherwise, carrying firearms during the gun ban is prohibited,” said Legada.
To enforce the directive, Legada said police will roll out layered security measures, including fixed border checkpoints and inspections within festival venues.
“Our border controls will be manned by our security components through fixed checkpoints. At the same time, within the inner perimeter of the event areas, we will conduct checkpoints and inspections in all activity areas,” he said.
Legada warned that violators will face sanctions.
“Anyone caught violating this directive will be dealt with accordingly. This is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of festival-goers, performers, residents, and visitors during Dinagyang,” he said.
Police said the gun ban is part of standard security protocols for major events and appealed to the public to cooperate to ensure a safe and peaceful Dinagyang Festival.
The Dinagyang opening salvo is on January 10./PN
