Police mull gun ban in coming Holy Weeks

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office director Melvin Ramon Buenafe has recommended the implementation of a special gun ban in the coming Holy Weeks.

The recommendation came after at least eight shooting incidents happened in the city on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

“Kinahanglan na nato og drastic measures to control the proliferation of firearms that reaches the hands of criminals,” Buenafe said.

In a separate interview, Police Regional Office-7 director Ager Ontog said he will discuss the matter with the Local Government Units because such measure needs their support.

Once the LGUs support the implementation of the gun ban, Ontog said they will forward it to the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who will then declare an area as a gun-free zone.

Ontog cited places like Boracay, Baguio and Zamboanga as gun-free zones in the country.

“We don’t want to unilaterally decide on that because there are people who are really in danger that needs to carry firearms. Special consideration will be given to them,” he said.

The PRO-7 director said he can most possibly order the suspension of permit to carry firearms outside residences on this occasion.

Ontog himself thanked his men who “sacrificed” themselves during the Holy Week and contributed to successful operations for the safety of the public, residences and establishments.

Buenafe, for his part, said the city was very peaceful amid shooting and stabbing incidents that were triggered by personal vendettas.

Yesterday morning, the CCPO presented 11 suspects involved in four shooting incidents. They were initially arrested for illegal possession of firearms, Buenafe said.

The police recovered five firearms, three caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .38 revolver and .357 revolver, all unlicensed.(FREEMAN)