Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has warned the public that martial law may have been lifted in Mindanao, but the gun ban or the suspension of the permit to carry firearms is still enforced in the city for another year.
Mayor Sara said the security sector has decided to continue enforcing the gun ban from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, as an effective mechanism against crimes and terrorism.
Martial law was lifted on December 31, 2019, but some of its mechanisms will still be observed — such as checkpoints, alert status, gun ban, among others.
In a resolution presented during the city council meeting, authorities have requested to continue such practices because “there is still a threat emanating from the rebels and terrorist groups including the international terrorist ISIS to sow terror and cause death or damage to properties of the people of Davao City”.
Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa approved the request on January 6. It is effective retroactive starting January 1.
Among those covered of the suspension are civilians who own firearms.
Mayor Sara advised gun owners to leave their firearms when going out of their homes. CIO
