Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa announced on Thursday that the police would impose a gun ban in the city of Manila for two days as added security measure for the Black Nazarene procession on Monday.
In a news conference at Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said gun owners would not be allowed to carry guns outside their homes from 8 a.m. of Jan. 8, Sunday, until 8 a.m. of Jan. 10, Tuesday.
READ: NCRPO seeks halt on permit to carry firearms for Nazarene procession
“This suspension will have the effect similar to a gun ban imposed during elections and special events wherein only members of the military, police and law enforcement agencies while on duty and in uniform are authorized to bear firearms,” Dela Rosa said.
Individuals – including civilians, off-duty cops, military personnel and security – who will be found carrying guns outside their houses will be arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
The police chief said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would strictly implement the 48-hour prohibition of guns.
In a news briefing earlier Thursday, NCRPO head Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said he recommended to Dela Rosa the temporary suspension of permit to carry firearms in the wake of security threats that could possibly mar the religious event, where 15 million Catholic devotees are expected to attend.
Dela Rosa sought cooperation from the public as police checkpoints will be set up in and out Manila City.
“Kapag ikaw nahulihan ng armas, pananagutan mo ‘yan kahit na may PTCFOR (Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence) ka because I hereby suspend it so good as possession of illegal firearms pa rin ‘yon. Dapat mag-coordinate lahat,” he said.
(If you are caught with firearms, you will held liable even if you have the PTCFOR because I hereby suspend it so it is good as possession of illegal firearms. Everyone should cooperate.)