THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has requested the City Government for an endorsement of its proposal to suspend permits to carry firearms outside of residence during the 2014 MassKara Festival from October 1 to 19.

Senior Superintendent Pedrito Escarilla, officer-in-charge of BCPO, submitted Tuesday the letter-request to Mayor Monico Puentevella after which they will forward their request along with the endorsement to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Manila for approval.

Escarilla said the enforcement of gun ban will boost their efforts in ensuring peace and order during the celebration since their aim is to avoid firearm-related incidents.

He said that once the PNP-Central Office will approve the suspension of the permits to carry firearms, the gun ban will be enforced within Bacolod City only.

During the gun ban, only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies in agency-prescribed uniforms who are performing official duties will be allowed to carry firearms.

Violators of gun ban will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591or the illegal possession of firearms.