MAYOR Jed Patrick Mabilog here has requested the Philippine National Police to suspend the Permit Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) during the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival in this city starting January 20 until January 27, 2014.
PNP Regional Director, Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan of Western Visayas personally endorsed the Mabilog request to PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima including also the request of Kalibo Mayor William Lachica asking for a gun ban in his town on January 12-19, 2014 while celebrating the Ati-atihan festival.
Iloilo City police officer incharge Supt. Uldarico Garbanzos said the city mayor’s request is expected to get a favorable attention from Camp Crame in Metro Manila in time for the Dinagyang Festival.
Mabilog justified his request as the city is bracing up for the influx of tourists and guests as an estimated 1.2 million people will come and witness the premier tourist attraction and festival in this part of the country.
The city mayor said the suspension of PTCFOR will help ensure a safety celebration and stable peace and order.