Director General Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered the suspension of the privilege to carry firearms in Pasay and Parañaque cities as part of the security measures for the Ms. Universe pageant.
Only policemen, soldiers and members of other law enforcement agencies will be allowed to carry firearms starting yesterday up to midnight today based on the approved policy of Dela Rosa, according to Chief Insp. Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“But there are also conditions even for our law enforcers for them to carry firearms and that is they should be in proper uniform and that they should be on duty,” said Molitas.
“This is part of our security measures for our Ms. Universe,” she added.
Aside from suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR), Molitas said checkpoints will also be set up in strategic areas in some areas in Metro Manila, especially in Pasay and Parañaque.
Director Oscar Albayalde, NCRPO chief, said they will push to achieve their goal of zero incident during the coronation night for the Ms. Universe that will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We have conducted dry run to establish to complete attention to the security tasks as well as the proper posting of the police officers to secure the venue,” said Albayalde.
“We also panel the venue at least three times a day because different crews are in and out of the venue to set up,” he added.
This, as Albayalde guaranteed the safety and security of the public, candidates of the pageant, local and foreign visitors, and local and international media correspondents against lawlessness and would-be perpetrators who may take advantage of the event. (Aaron Recuenco)