The Philippine National Police (PNP) will suspend permits to carry firearms outside of residence and permits to transport and purchase explosives or explosive ingredients three times this month in Abra.

Chief Insp. Carolina Lacuata, public information officer of the Cordillera Police Regional Office, said in a statement Saturday said the suspension was approved by PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa.

“This is in response to the request of Cordillera Administrative Region PNP Regional Director, PCSupt Edward E Carranza to ban the transport of firearms and Explosive Ingredients due to the scheduled series of events in the province,” she said.

Lacuata said based on the memorandum from Dela Rosa the suspension will take in effect during the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet from February 4-9, in the Bangued Town Fiesta from February 23 to 26 and on Kawayan Festival from March 1 to 9.

This followed the deaths of two policemen and injuries to Rep. Joseph Bernos and his wife Menchie, a mayor of La Paz town along with 10 others, after two grenades were hurled during the town's fiesta on Jan. 25.

“The suspension of the permits is part of security preparations that aims to enhance the safety and security of all the athletes, including local and foreign tourists who are expected to attend the activities,” Lacuata added.

“Only members of the PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and in agency prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms. This is to ensure that the aforementioned events/celebrations would be free from firearm-related incidents,” she said.

“The ban will be implemented immediately in consonance with the enhanced managing police operations in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies and local government units (LGUs),” she added. Robina Asido/DMS