ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A weeklong suspension of permits to transport and carry firearms will be imposed in Kalibo, Aklan as part of the security preparations for the Ati-Atihan Festival.
Col. Victorino Romanillos, Aklan police chief, said the order is based on a memorandum issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Dec. 1, 2023.
Romanillos said the gun ban, which would start at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, will be implemented until midnight of Jan. 21.
He said only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms.
Romanillos said cell phone signals would be cut for three hours on Jan. 21.
Aklan police spokesperson S/Sgt. Jane Vega said the campaign against loose firearms in other areas in Aklan would be intensified during the festival.
“If gun holders are carrying their firearms outside of their residence outside Kalibo, they must carry with them pertinent documents,” Vega said.
She said more than 2,000 personnel of the Western Visayas and Aklan police aside from members of other law enforcement agencies and the military would be deployed to secure the festival.
There will be force multipliers from the provincial and municipal disaster and risk reduction management offices along with volunteer groups.
No security threat for Sinulog – AFP
Meanwhile, the Visayas Command (VisCom) said it has not monitored any security threat for the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
“We will remain vigilant and heighten security efforts to prevent lawless elements and other threats from mounting untoward incidents that may hamper the celebration and sow fear to our people,” VisCom commander Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said.
The Viscom had earlier said it would deploy 350 soldiers from the Army and 328 from the Air Force to secure the celebration of the Fiesta Señor and post-festival activities.
The 865 AFP personnel are part of the 3,500 security forces deployed for the festival, which started on Jan. 10.