19/01/2026
Gun Ban Effective During Sinulog Festival and ASEAN Summit 2026
As part of heightened security measures to ensure peace, order, and public safety during the 461st Fiesta Señor Sto. Niño and Sinulog Festival and the 2026 ASEAN Summit and related meetings, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) announces the enforcement of a gun ban and the temporary suspension of permits to carry fi****ms outside of residence (PTCFOR), as well as the transport of fi****ms, explosives, and explosive ingredients across Central Visayas. This is a calibrated security measure aligned with the Acting Chief PNP's Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO).
For the Sinulog Festival, the suspension will take effect from 12:01 AM of January 8, 2026, until 11:59 PM of January 20, 2026, covering the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay, and the municipalities of Cordova and Consolacion.
For the 2026 ASEAN Summit and related meetings, the suspension will cover the entire Central Visayas from 12:01 AM of January 15, 2026, until 11:59 PM of January 31, 2026.
The suspension covers the following:
Permits to Carry Fi****ms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR)
Permits to Transport Fi****ms for gun club members, manufacturers, dealers, and repairers
Permits to Transport and Purchase Explosives or Explosive Ingredients
Licenses to Manufacture or Deal in Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices
During the suspension period, only members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and wearing prescribed uniforms are authorized to carry fi****ms.
This directive is being implemented in close coordination with the AFP, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safe and secure conduct of the Sinulog festivities and the ASEAN Summit.
PBGEN Redrico A Maranan, Regional Director of PRO7, emphasized the proactive nature of the measure.
“These measures are designed to maintain peace and order and ensure a safe environment during these two major events. We urge the public to cooperate, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to help safeguard the events and our communities,” PBGEN Maranan said.
PRO7 reiterates its commitment to uphold public safety, enforce national security directives, and work closely with partner agencies and the community to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and incident-free Sinulog Festival and ASEAN Summit in Central Visayas.
