Police regional office 7 (PRO 7) proposed converting Bohol tourist areas into ultimate gun-free zones. Bohol as one of the super-regions’ hot tourist destinations, should further elevate its status into a wholesome family destination, according PSSupt. Louie Oppus. SSupt. Col. Oppus showed graphs of the crime trend in the Central Visayas in the last 5 years, and was quick to add that the success is largely due to the mayors efforts. However, Col Oppus hinted that the achievement seems not enough in a major tourism destination. The Camp Sergio Osmena-based police operations officer reiterated to the mayors gathered during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol Chapter meeting of the plan for a zero tolerance for guns in designated areas.
Col. Oppus, who spoke for Police Regional Director Lane-o Neres added that the overall peace and order showing for Bohol is appealing, pointing out crimes decreasing rate. Among the mentioned proposed plans are for peacekeeping authorities to deny entry or armed bodyguards of public officials and escorts of very important persons. And only police officers in uniform are allowed to carry firearms in designated tourist areas.
Col Oppus added that even persons with permits to carry fire-arms outside residence should deposit their firearms at the tourist police desks or they would be denied entry. The police official also pointed out that most crimes in involve good number of unaccounted loose firearms. Col. Oppus asked local chief executives to help in recovering loose firearms and lead its registrations.