PNP to implement 6-day gun ban in NCR, Davao City for BBM, Sara inaugurations

The privilege of carrying firearms for gun owners will be suspended in Davao City and Metro Manila for the inauguration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice president-elect Sara Duterte.

Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, director for Operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the gun ban will be implemented in Davao City from June 16 to 21 for the June 19 oath-taking of Duterte while it will be from June 27 to July 2 in the National Capital Region for the inauguration of Marcos on June 30.

"Our recommendation to suspend the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCRFOR) was already approved by our OIC (Officer-In-Charge) PNP (Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr.) and the suspension covers the period of full preparations, deployment and implementations of the security measures for the oath-taking events of the two highest ranking officials of the country,” said De Leon.

De Leon advised gun owners to be mindful of the gun ban schedule as its violation may result in the confiscation of firearms and revocation of the PTCFOR for registered gun owners and PTCFOR holders, aside from appropriate charges that may be filed against them.

De Leon presided the meeting on Monday night with top officials of Manila Police District and the Police Regional Office 11 wherein the security preparations were discussed.

He said the security plans for the two events were already done.

“The security plans are ready. I just made some suggestions on the aspect of reliable communication lines and some specifics based on my experience in handling big events,” said De Leon.

For instance, he said he wants to get the names of all the policemen who would be assigned to the entrances in order to ensure accountability for any incident that would result from lapses in the implementation of the approved security plans.

De Leon said he will also make sure that everyone will have their corresponding briefing before the deployment.

Based on the discussion, at least 3,700 policemen will be tapped to secure the oath-taking of VP-elect Sara Duterte while at least 6,000 will be deployed for the oath-taking of President-elect Bongbong Marcos.

“These figures do not include those who would be deployed for border control and the forces from the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines, PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) and other allied forces that we have yet to consolidate,” said De Leon.

He said that Civil Disturbance Management units will also be deployed near the oathtaking sites while road closures will also be implemented.

“The world will be watching us and we will not allow unruly and unauthorized rallies,” said De Leon, adding that there will be designated freedom parks for the protesters.

And based on the coordination with concerned local government units, De Leon said there is no rally permit given so far to any groups.