PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa ordered on Sunday the suspension of "Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence" in the cities of Paranaque and Pasay as part of its security measure for the conduct of the Miss Universe 2016 coronation day on Monday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Oscar Albayalde said the suspension will only be effective on that day.
“Only the PNP, AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and other law enforcement agencies performing official duty wearing agency prescribed uniform are allowed to carry firearms,” he said.
In line with the suspension order, Albayalde said police checkpoints will be installed in strategic areas near the venue.
On Monday morning, Miss Universe 2016 will be crowned at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city.
Earlier, Albayalde said 1,300 policemen will be fielded in the perimeters of the Arena for the security of the event, and another 353 cops, including snipers and SWAT operatives, will be manning inside the venue.
He said 20 police personnel will be deployed in each floors of the Arena, including the entry and exit points.
Albayalde said policemen will also be detailed around the stage, backstage, and the VIP rooms, while the security personnel detailed to the candidates since they arrived in the country will remain with them.
“The NCRPO together with its partner government agencies is doing its 100 percent best to ensure a zero-incident staging of the Miss Universe 2016,” he said.
Albayalde said there is no direct threat concerning the conduct of the event. (SunStar Philippines)