LAOAG CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced that permit to carry firearms outside of residence in Ilocos Sur will be suspended for nine days for the duration of the Palarong Pambansa this month.
In a memo dated April 3 and addressed to the Regional Director Romulo Sapitula of the Police Regional Office 1, PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa ordered the gun ban to take effect from April 14 until April 22, 2018.
“This is part of the security preparations to ensure that the said celebration will be free from firearm-related incidents and to ensure safety of the populace particularly the athletes, as well as local and foreign tourists,” the memo reads.
“Only the members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” it added.
Dela Rosa’s directive will be implemented in consonance with the enhanced police operations in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other government agencies and local government units concerned. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
