GenSan to tighten security, implement gun-free zones for Tuna Festival

Police in General Santos City will implement stricter security and will enforce gun-free zones for its 46th charter anniversary and 16th Tuna Festival, which starts on the first week of September, a Mindanao news site reported late Thursday.

A report on MindaNews quoted Pendatun police station head Chief Inspector Edgar Yago as saying they are preparing for the festivities that start Sept. 5 and run until Sept. 13.

One of the highlights in this year's festivities is a Guinness world record attempt for the largest fish display on Sept. 11.

Covered by the gun-free zones are the city’s oval plaza, which will serve as the main festival venue, and areas where related activities will be held.

Yago also said backpacks will not be allowed within the oval plaza, to prevent potential saboteurs from sneaking in deadly weapons or even bomb parts.

This year's activities include a drag racing competition, a table tennis tournament, a 10-ball tournament, lawn tennis, chess, motor race, beach volleyball, skills Olympics, practical shooting, a bike challenge, a float parade, a triathlon, a jetski invitational, and a cheerleading competition.

Also scheduled are a job fair, and a street dancing competition.

Meanwhile, the report quoted Philip Pabelic, president of the city’s hoteliers association, as saying most hotels in the city are now fully booked.

He said some hotels, pension houses and inns closed bookings as early as June. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News