THE PNP will implement six-day gun bans in the Davao region and in Metro Manila for the inauguration of Vice President-elect Sarah Duterte-Carpio on June 19 and of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr on June 30.
The ban in Davao will be “from June 16 to June 21 midnight,” Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, PNP director for operations, said in a press conference in in Camp Crame yesterday.
Duterte-Carpio will take her oath as vice president at the San Pedro Square in Davao City.
The gun ban for Marcos’ inauguration, which will take place at the National Museum of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila, will be from June 27 to July 2.
De Leon said he recommended the gun ban to maximize the security coverage for the incoming Vice President and President.
Violation of the gun ban may lead to the confiscation of firearms and revocation of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR), aside from filing of charges.
“This (gun ban) was already approved by our OIC PNP, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr, and the suspension covers the period of full preparations, deployment and implementation of the security measures for the oath-taking events of the two highest ranking officials of the country,” said De Leon.
He said he met with ground commanders last Monday night to check on their preparations.
“The security plans are ready. I just made some suggestions on the aspect of reliable communication lines and some specifics based on my experience in handling big events,” he said.
He said at least 3,700 policemen will be deployed for the Davao event and about 6,000 for the inauguration in Manila.
De Leon said the number does not include personnel from civil disturbance management units, who will be positioned in strategic areas to handle protesters.
He stressed protest actions will be allowed only at freedom parks, and not in the inauguration areas.
“We will allow them (at freedom parks), there is no problem with that. But if they get out of their specific area and march toward the event place, we are advising them not to do it,” said De Leon.
JAMMERS
De Leon said drones will not be allowed to fly at the inauguration areas, unless permitted by the Presidential Security Group.
“We know that drones are used to cover particular events. So maybe get permission and for this particular purpose. The PSG will be the one to evaluate whether to allow drones,” said De Leon.
On whether phone signals will be jammed during the two events, De Leon said the PNP is coordinating with the National Telecommunications Commission about it.
“In all other events if not necessary, we are not going to implement it… If the situation warrants, as early as five hours before, we will do that,” he said.
At the “Laging Handa” public briefing, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has not monitored “any credible or serious threat” to the two events.
“But we are not going to be complacent, that’s why we continue to conduct intelligence monitoring… to ensure we won’t be outsmarted by those who are planning to disrupt the two big events in Davao and Manila,” she said.
Fajardo said the PNP will not allow protests during the inaugurations “in order not to disrupt and disturb the national events” but stressed protests will be allowed at freedom parks.
PROTESTERS
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said anti-Marcos groups can hold protest actions near the National Museum on Burgos Avenue.
He was reacting to Danao’s statement last Monday that the PNP will allow rallies near the inauguration site if they are pro-administration.
“Well kung ang isisigaw mo naman ay mabuhay si Bongbong Marcos, eh di ilalapit pa kita siguro. (Well, if you are going to shout ‘long live Bong Marcos, I might even bring you nearer),” Danao said in a briefing on Monday.
The National Museum grounds is near the usual rally area of activists.
Guevarra disagreed with Danao’s statement.
“The right of peaceful assembly, regardless of one’s political beliefs or affiliation, is guaranteed by the Constitution, subject to reasonable regulations to maintain peace and order, including the requirement to obtain a prior permit,” Guevarra said.
Guevarra said protesters enjoy freedom of expression.
“As long as their statements do not constitute an actionable offense, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression,” he said. — With Ashzel Hachero
