NCR gun ban enforced for International disaster meet

MANILA, Philippines — Starting today, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement a gun ban in Metro Manila for the five-day Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Permits to carry firearms outside of residence are suspended until Oct. 18, based on a memorandum issued by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Saturday.

Uniformed personnel of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry firearms while on duty.

The Philippines, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is hosting the 10th session of the conference at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay.

Work in government offices and classes at all levels in Manila and Pasay are suspended today and tomorrow.

Disaster response personnel and state agencies providing basic and health services will continue operating.

Private companies were given the discretion to suspend work.