Sinulog Gun Ban Imposed from Jan. 12 to 19

(PNA) — A gun ban will be imposed in the entire Cebu Province, including Cebu City, starting Monday, Jan. 12 to Jan. 19 to ensure a peaceful celebration of this year’s Sinulog festivities, a top police official said.

Senior Supt. Conrado Capa, deputy regional director for operations of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, said all permit to carry firearms outside one’s residence are suspended during the period.

Those who are found to have violated the gun ban will be arrested and charged.

But Capa, who is also officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said police officers who are part of the Sinulog security force and those who are on duty are exempted from the gun ban.

Capa said special arrangements are also made for intelligence officers on covert operations.

Capa said more than 1,600 policemen will be deployed during the Sinulog grand parade.

They will be augmented by at least 3,400 civilian anti-crime volunteers and students who will help control the crowd.

Capa on Wednesday declared a heightened alert status for the CCPO, barring all its personnel from going on leave.

Capa said motorcycle riding units (MRUs) are ready to respond anytime, as heavy traffic is expected during the Sinulog grand parade.

They have also set up a command post in each of the nine sectors of the parade route where firefighters and medical personnel will be on standby. (PNA) FPV/EB