ILOILO CITY – A man from Capiz province was arrested for violating the gun ban as this city celebrated the highlight of the Dinagyang Festival this weekend.
A GUN and bullets were confiscated from a man as Iloilo City was celebrates the Dinagyang Festival. (PNP Iloilo City)
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) identified the suspect as “Bibong,” a 48-year-old man from Sigma town, Capiz.
“Let this be a lesson for everyone. ICPO is serious about ensuring a firearm-free Dinagyang Festival,” said Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, ICPO chief and the commander of the security task group for this year’s festival.
A barangay tanod or watchman initially found the gun during a random inspection of merrymakers in a mall in Mandurriao District on Saturday, January 27.
The ICPO-Mandurriao Police Station was called and found in the suspect’s possession a .45 caliber pistol and two magazines with 14 bullets.
Permits to Carry Firearms outside of Residence (PTCFORs) were suspended starting last January 19 as part of the security measures for this year’s festival that honors the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus).