By Xander Ledesma
The Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) is considering Boracay Island as the pilot area for its proposed gun-free zone, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, the regional director, announced on Monday. The initiative is part of the region’s broader efforts to ensure safety and enhance the image of its popular tourist spots.
During a media conference, Wanky revealed that the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) approved a resolution at its meeting on November 22, which encourages all local government units (LGUs) in the region to adopt the “Project PRO6 Gun-Free Zones.” The program calls for the passage of ordinances by LGUs to establish gun-free zones in their identified tourist destinations.
The move aligns with the mandates of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. According to Wanky, the purpose of the gun-free zones is to promote safety and security by preventing the carrying of firearms, even for those with permits. This will include police officers on patrol, who will also refrain from carrying firearms in these designated zones. However, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams will be stationed at strategic locations to respond to emergencies if necessary.
“The goal is to create a positive image for these tourist areas,” Wanky stated. “We aim to change the mindset that police officers should always be armed, emphasizing that firearms should be the last resort.”
This initiative is expected to reduce firearm-related crimes in the region’s tourist destinations, creating a safer environment for visitors. The team will soon coordinate with local officials in Malay, Aklan, to implement the gun-free zone in Boracay.
In addition to the announcement, Wanky also presided over the turnover of office ceremonies at the regional headquarters in Iloilo on Monday, where Col. Victorino Romanillos Jr. of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) swapped posts with Col. Arnel Ramos of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB). This change of leadership is part of regular administrative movements as Romanillos nears the end of his two-year term as APPO director.