Police want gun-free Sinulog from Jan. 5 to 25 next year

TO help keep the Sinulog festivities violence-free, the Cebu City police are pushing for the suspension of the Permit to Carry (PTC) firearms outside the residence from Jan. 5 to 25 next year.

The Sinulog grand parade falls on Jan. 16, a Sunday.

The gun-free period sought by police covers the weeks before the Sinulog and a week after the grand parade.

Cancellation of the PTC will help police maintain peace and order, said Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

This arrangement was also done in last year’s Sinulog celebration.

In his request to the Firearms Explosives Security Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (Fesagss), Buenafe said the PTC should be suspended from Jan. 5 to 25 next year.

Fesagss chief Rex Derilo said the request will be sent to Senior Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, who will forward the request to Camp Crame for approval.

In the runup to the Sinulog, saturation drives will be conducted in Cebu City barangays, said Buenafe, and police will continue coordinating with barangay officials to monitor the presence of lawless elements.