LINGAYEN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has passed a resolution adopting the recommendation of the Pangasinan Police for the enforcement of a total gun ban from April 27 to May 15, in time for the Palarong Pambansa from May 16 to 12 and the annual Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) on May 1.

Superintendent Michael Nicolas, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan police, said the total gun ban will be subject to the approval of the Philippine National Police national headquarters, which will then issue the corresponding guidelines for enforcement.

Nicolas said he recommended the enforcement of the total gun ban as a preemptive measure to ensure the security of all people coming to Pangasinan for the Pista’y Dayat and the Palarong Pambansa, which will be participated in by some 10,000 athletes and other delegates from the 17 regions of the country.

During the 19-day gun ban, only the police and other members of law enforcement agencies will be allowed to carry firearms outside of their residences, provided that they are in proper uniform and performing their duties.

All others carrying firearms outside their homes, even if they have permits to carry, will be arrested and booked, Nicolas said.

The approved resolution was authored by SP Members Jeremy Rosario Amado Espino, chairman of the SP’s committee on peace and order.

The SP approved the proposal on March 23 after Nicolas in appeared before the council.

“It does not mean that when we have a gun ban there is a deterioration of peace and order in province,” said Nicolas in response to Board Member Raul Sison’s apprehension that the gun ban may give visitors the wrong impression about the actual peace and order situation in the province.

Sison said a total gun ban declaration might be misconstrued as a sign that there is a widespread problem of criminality.

Nevertheless, the SP approved the measure with the assurance of Nicolas that aside from the gun ban, the police in Pangasinan are undertaking other legal such as the conduct of regular police patrols, application of search warrants for suspects believed keeping firearms and ammunition, and warrants of arrest against criminals.

GAME-READY

Meanwhile, the province is all set for the Palarong Pambansa, with some delegations already in the province to prepare for the games.

Some of the sporting events will start on May 6 as originally scheduled but the formal opening ceremony, to be held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civics Center in Lingayen, was moved to May 7 to accommodate the availability of President Benigno Aquino III who will be guest of honor.

In Dagupan, where some of the games will be held, Mayor Benjamin Lim said preparations have been made to ensure the safety of the participants and minimize traffic congestion.

“As part of our preparations, we will improve the flow of traffic since we are trying to market Dagupan as a tourist destination,” Lim said.

To attend to the medical needs of the athletes, at least two ambulances will be on stand-by at the game venues. (with report from CIO)

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