The Philippine National Police (PNP) will temporarily halt the validity of permits allowing civilians to carry firearms in public during this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno in Manila.
The suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) will run from January 8 to January 10, coinciding with the main activities of the annual religious observance.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the measure was approved after the National Capital Region Police Office recommended tighter security controls for the event.
Police officials said the restriction will be enforced only within the City of Manila and will not affect other areas in Metro Manila.
City authorities have also ordered a ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks, along with restrictions on firecrackers, to reduce safety risks during the celebration.
Nartatez called on the public to cooperate with law enforcers, noting that crowd safety depends on shared responsibility.
The PNP earlier announced the deployment of more than 18,000 police personnel for the feast, which drew over eight million devotees last year, based on records from the Quiapo Church.