Gun ban in force in Cebu for Sinulog, Miss Universe

CEBU CITY—The Philippine National Police is enforcing a gun ban for at least 10 days in this city and the entire province of Cebu as part of security measures for three main events—the Fiesta Señor celebration in honor of Sto. Niño, Sinulog Festival and the swimsuit competition of the Miss Universe pageant.

In his order, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, PNP chief, barred the carrying of firearms outside residences even by licensed gun owners from Jan. 9 to 18 in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and the province of Cebu.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, posted Dela Rosa’s order on his Facebook account past 9 p.m. on Saturday.

“Only members of the PNP, 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,” said the order.

Individuals, including civilians, off-duty cops, military personnel and security guards, who would be found carrying guns outside their residences during the duration of the ban would be arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, director of the Central Visayas police regional office, earlier requested Dela Rosa to order a gun ban during the Fiesta Señor celebration, which started Jan. 5 and would last until Jan. 15.