Gun ban implemented in Davao for Ironman race

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: Maj. Catherine de la Rey, the spokesman for the Davao City Police Office, announced the enforcement of the regionwide gun ban from March 20 to March 31 due to the scheduled Ironman 70.3.

Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing Wednesday (March 22) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, de la Rey said that Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 has suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCOR 4 or PTC 4) in the entire Davao Region.

She said this means that non-uniformed individuals with firearms, even with complete permits and licenses, are not allowed to carry their weapons outside of their respective residences.

"The permit to carry firearms outside of the residence is suspended effective March 20. So, for gun owners, you are not allowed to carry your firearms outside, even if you have the permit to do so," de la Rey said.

She said only police officers, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, and members of other law enforcement agencies on duty and in uniform during the 12-day suspension are allowed to carry firearms. This is to avoid any firearm-related incidents during the Ironman races.

Random checkpoints have been added outside of the checkpoints in the border areas of the region, de la Rey added.

Violators of the gun ban will have to go back to their area of origin or they may opt to deposit their weapons at the checkpoint areas where they were apprehended. If unable to follow either action, apprehended individuals may have their PTC 4 suspended.

She said the suspension is a great help for the region's security forces as this effectively lessens the threat to look out for.

De la Rey urged everyone to abide by the ban and help the security cluster in maintaining peace and order during the sports event.

"Help the police, the Davao City Police Office — to conduct a peaceful, successful and zero-crime incident execution of the Alveo Ironman 70.3, so let us all work together," she said.

Davao City has zero crime in past 2 weeks

By Ruth Palo

December 15, 2022 60

DAVAO CITY: The spokesman of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Maj. Catherine de la Rey, said the city has recorded zero incidents of crime since December 1.

According to her, this is surprising because crimes against persons and property usually increase during the Christmas season.

De la Rey said the people's heightened vigilance and the city's "culture of security" may have curbed the trend.

"There were a number of petty crimes but not that high to warrant concern because the people are also now aware that at this time they're very vigilant, they're very careful of their possessions," she said.

De la Rey, however, said the police are expecting an increase in drunk driving incidents and petty crimes in the next two weeks.

She said the DCPO has intensified its information campaign against drunk driving in the city amid the office parties and Christmas revelries this month.

"The DCPO is constantly reminding citizens to drink responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol," she said.

She is also advising people who intend to drink during parties and events to take a taxi or have someone drive them home.

The city's liquor ban and curfew on minors will remain throughout the yuletide season.

"Our curfew on minors and the liquor ban will not stop, there are still limits. If you want to drink, do it inside your homes," she said.

De la Rey assures the public that police officers and security personnel will continue patrolling public places and establishments even during Christmas and New Year's Eve to ensure the liquor ban and curfew are followed.