Gun Ban in Effect in Cebu Starting Monday for Sinulog and Miss Universe Event

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose a gun ban in the entire city and province of Cebu starting Monday, Jan. 9 until Jan. 18 as part of the security measures for the Fiesta Señor celebration, the Sinulog festival, and the Ms. Universe pageant’s swimwear competition.

In his order, PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa prohibited gun owners from carrying firearms outside their homes from Jan. 9 to 18 in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Dela Rosa’s order was posted by Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor on police matters, on his Facebook account past 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.

“Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” he 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.

Chief Superintendent Noli Talino, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, earlier requested Dela Rosa to allow a special gun ban during the Fiesta Señor celebration that started last Jan. 5 until Jan. 15, the feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu and date of the Sinulog grand parade.

The gun ban period was extended after the Ms. Universe swimwear competition in Lapu-lapu City on January 17. (PNA)BNB/EB/SSC