PNP sets gun ban on July 24

FILE PHOTO: Police officers at a Comelec checkpoint, which are set up to implement the poll body’s gun ban and enforce stricter security during the election period, on April 4, 2022. INQUIRER / NINO JESUS ORBETA

The Philippine National Police will implement a daylong gun ban in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon on the day of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).

In an advisory on Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations, said the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence would be in effect from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on July 24.

During the gun ban period, only personnel of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and wearing their uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms.

This year’s Sona gun ban was shorter than last year, which lasted for five days from July 22 to 27 but only implemented in the National Capital Region.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said they had not received any security threats for the annual event, but the PNP would still deploy around 23,000 police officers and force multipliers. —DEXTER CABALZA