Baguio City mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. said Monday that he welcomes the plan of the Philippine National Police general headquarters to declare Baguio as a gun-free zone to further boost the tourism industry in this mountain resort. 

“The plan is well-taken and the city will benefit from it,” said Bautista, adding that efforts are being undertaken by the Baguio City Police Office with support from city officials and the community to ensure that the city is generally peaceful.

Bautista said that even members of the city council are supportive of any move towards attaining a peaceful and orderly Baguio, which is known as the country’s “Summer Capital.” 

A proposed resolution requesting the PNP general headquarters in Camp Crame to declare Baguio as a gun-free zone has already been included in the agenda of the city council and it will be discussed anytime soon by the councilors. 

Reports have it that the PNP is eyeing Baguio, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Zamboanga City as pilot areas for gun-free zones to further promote a climate of peace and minimize gun-related violence. 

But ahead of the formal declaration making the whole of Baguio a gun-free city, the BCPO has adopted as gun-free zones some of the most famous parks in the city like Burnham Park and Mines View Park.

PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operation-Northern Luzon head Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil told reporters that the plan to declare the whole of Baguio a gun-free zone is being discussed by concerned ranking police officials. The plan will be soon presented to Baguio officials, especially the city council, for action. 

Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., proponent of the resolution supporting the PNP’s plan, recently said it is most welcome especially that Baguio is not only a prime tourist destination but also an education center north of Manila. 

He added that a gun-free zone also contributes to the economic growth of a local government unit like Baguio.