Police back gun ban in Davao Norte for ‘Palaro’

TAGUM CITY—Authorities in Davao del Norte are recommending the enforcement of a gun ban in the entire province in preparation for Palarong Pambansa, which the city will host next month.

Senior Supt. Samuel Gadingan, provincial police chief, said on Tuesday that police hope the gun ban would help in security preparations for the games.

Gadingan, in a local radio interview, said he had requested top officials of the province, including the legislative board, to support and pass a resolution asking the Philippine National Police to enforce a gun ban in the province.

He said the ban would be in effect in the province’s three cities and eight towns from April 20 to May 11.

Under the proposed ban, only uniformed law enforcement agents will be allowed to carry firearms.

At least 20,000 athletes, coaches, officials and other visitors from all over the country are expected to troop to Tagum for the 2015 edition of the biggest annual sports event for elementary and high school students nationwide.

This year’s Palaro will feature 17 regular and five demonstration sports.

Officials said the province was “100-percent ready” to host the games.

Gadingan said a “substantial number” of security forces would be deployed to secure the games’ venues.

Gadingan advised gun owners to secure documents for their weapons if they would be passing through Tagum City. Frinston L. Lim, Inquirer Mindanao