Sunday, March 02, 2008 PRO6 implements weeklong gun ban By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) under Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas started to observe a weeklong gun ban in the region as per directive of PNP Chief Avelino Razon.
For national security and public safety, the said gun ban started during the celebration of the 22nd Edsa People Power 1 anniversary last February 25. It will end on March 3.
The memorandum signed by Razon and sent to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), states that all permit to carry firearms outside residence except those issued to the members of the diplomatic corps, judges, prosecutors and treasurers carrying large amount of money are hereby suspended effective 12 noon of February 25 until midnight of March 3."
Razon reportedly announced a gun ban amid reports of mass actions to be staged by the militant groups as an expression and protest against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
ICPO Director, Senior Supt. Wesley Barayuga, said daily checkpoints in all entry points, saturation drives in all streets and frisking of some suspicious looking persons are imposed upon receipt of the directive.
He added that most of his men including his intelligence personnel are now deployed on the streets for police visibility.
He stressed that the city remains peaceful despite the said persistent threat to national security that is felt in Luzon.
He cited the peaceful rally that has occurred last Monday, in which around 1,000 members of several militant groups demonstrated their angst against the government in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. (RPS)
