Iloilo City to impose gun ban ahead of Dinagyang, polls
ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) is set to enforce a stringent gun ban from Jan. 12 to June 11 to maintain peace and order during the Dinagyang Festival in January and all throughout the election period for the midterm polls in May.
According to Police Col. Kim Legada, Icpo director, they decided to enforce the gun ban for the Dinagyang Festival starting Jan. 12—the same day a nationwide prohibition on the carrying of firearms outside one’s house begins for the midterm elections.
He called on the public to actively cooperate in the enforcement of the gun ban.
“Let us work together to uphold safety and create a secure environment for everyone during this critical period,” Legada said.
Known for its vibrant celebration of faith and resilience, the Dinagyang Festival, set to culminate on Jan. 26, is anticipated to gather thousands of locals and tourists.
Peaceful, disciplined
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas underscored the festival’s significance and the need to protect its attendees.
“Dinagyang is not just a festival but a reflection of Iloilo City’s faith and resilience,” Treñas said in a statement last week.
“Let us show the world that Iloilo City is a community of peace, discipline and unity,” he added.
Authorities are pulling out all stops to ensure safety, with the Icpo intensifying security operations.
Treñas urged Ilonggos and visitors to support these efforts, emphasizing Iloilo City’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful and disciplined community.
“The Icpo, led by Police Col. Kim Legada, is doing an exceptional job in preparing for this. Safeguarding our festival and elections is a shared responsibility that reflects our unity as Ilonggos,” he said.
The gun ban prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons unless authorized in writing by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10999 issued on May 24, 2024, violators face imprisonment, permanent disqualification from holding public office and, for foreigners, deportation after serving their sentence.
“This strict enforcement is a shared responsibility,” Legada said, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
The gun ban aligns with preparations for the May 12 national and local elections and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections.
The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) revealed that several individuals have applied for exemptions to the ban.
Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director, assured that authorities were closely monitoring the applications to prevent misuse.
