Week-long gun ban set for Panaad festivities

The Panaad sa Negros Festival is a celebration of Negros Occidental’s grandest festivals, outstanding products, best delicacies, and famous landmarks. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

BACOLOD CITY – A seven-day gun ban throughout Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will be imposed starting on Monday, April 17, as the 27th Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., in a memorandum, ordered the suspension of the Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) in the entire Bacolod City and Negros Occidental during the festival from 12:01 a.m. of April 17 to 11:59 p.m. of April 23.

Only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms.

“This is to ensure that the activity will be free from firearm-related incidents for the safety of the community, as well as of the local and foreign tourists,” Azurin said.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz on Friday said all is set for the festival that will start on Monday with a Mass at 8 a.m. and followed by a series of activities.

There will be a motorcade from the Provincial Capitol to the Panaad Stadium at 3 p.m. Monday for the Panaad sa Negros grand opening ceremony at 4 p.m., Diaz said.

A fireworks display will be held at 7 p.m. to be followed by the Panaad ni Gov Concert featuring December Avenue at the Panaad Stadium at 8:30 p.m.

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