Gun ban, signal jamming, no-fly zone in Manila on Jan. 9 – MPD

The Manila Police District (MPD) would impose a gun ban in Manila, as it is likewise asking the local government to issue a liquor ban order from January 8-10 in the light of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene on January 9 in the capital city.

MPD chief Supt. Joel Coronel said on Thursday that a gun ban in the whole of Manila would be in place starting midnight of January 8 up to midnight of January 10.

Coronel, however, noted that “(s)ecurity personnel providing security for the President and Cabinet members and other uniformed personnel are excused” from the gun ban.

The MPD chief also said that they are hoping Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada would sign this Thursday afternoon the executive order imposing a temporary ban on the sale, consumption, and distribution of liquor within the 500-meter radius of the procession route, including the Quirino Grandstand where the Traslacion 2018 will kick off, and the Quiapo Church, the endpoint of the event.

The proposed liquor ban would start from 6:00 a.m. of January 8 and conclude by 6:00 a.m. of January 10. But Coronel clarified that establishments catering to tourists, or those accredited by the Department of Tourism, would be exempted from the ban.

Jammed signal, barred drones

Cellular sites within the one-kilometer radius of the andas (carriage) would also be temporarily shut down in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and telecommunications companies due to security considerations.

“Expect natin yung intermittent signal sa area,” Coronel said.

The entire Manila would also be a no-fly zone, not just for drones but for aircrafts as well, Coronel added.

He said members of the media who intend to use drones for their coverage must submit a written request to the Traslacion 2018’s executive committee on or before noon of January 8.

Meanwhile, Capt. Armand Balilo of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they would enforce “controlled and no-sail zones” as well as deploy active patrol from the Manila Yacht Club to Pier 15 during the Black Nazarene activities at the Quirino Grandstand on January 9.          /kga