DAVAO CITY – A five-day gun ban has been imposed in the entire Davao Region effective 12 midnight June 16 until June 21 in preparation for the inauguration of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte Sunday, June 19.
Police Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Davao Region, told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) Thursday, June 16, that suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) must be enforced to ensure the safety and security of the attendees during the inauguration. The event is expected to draw a crowd of around 20,000 from all over the Philippines.
Gultiano said that coordination among security forces in the region has been ongoing for the implementation of the gun ban.
Duterte’s inauguration will be held on San Pedro St., across the decades-old City Hall of Davao, where her political career as vice mayor and later as mayor of this city began.
Police Col. Alberto Lupaz, director of the Davao City Police Office, urged individuals coming from other areas to refrain from bringing firearms into the region as they will be apprehended by authorities at security checkpoints at the boundary.
Gultiano added that security personnel are now ready to be deployed to the venue and reminded those attending the event that a strict security check will be enforced upon entry to San Pedro St.
She said visitors will be asked to take their masks off for identification upon entry and a thorough body frisk will be conducted.
Oath-taking will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. shortly after the inaugural mass at the San Pedro Cathedral.
Visitors who wish to attend her inauguration may enter the venue starting at 2 p.m. through the entry points such as San Pedro St. corner CM Recto St.; Bolton St. corner Rizal St.; San Pedro St. corner Anda St.; and Bolton St. corner Magallanes St.
She also said that the venue will be a no-fly zone for drones. Gultinao said bringing jackets, backpacks, alcoholic drinks, and other pointed objects to the venue will be prohibited at the activity area.