By Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY – The multi-agency security cluster for the Araw ng Davao has assured a safe celebration of this city’s founding anniversary which kicks off Friday.
Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, said on Thursday that about 4,500 cops will be deployed from March 1 to 19 when the city celebrates its 82nd founding anniversary.
Tagum said the security forces will also include an augmentation from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 and other auxiliary forces.
He said the Army-led Task Force Davao will also secure other places while the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) will send out 589 traffic enforcers.
Despite the huge forces to ensure the safety and security of the people against saboteurs, Tagum said vigilance and cooperation of the public is still needed.
“Padayon and among hangyo sa supporta sa mga tawo (We continue to call for support from the people). The people should continue to be vigilant and be aware of their surroundings,” Tagum said.
Tagum police will implement the regular security measures such as the prohibition of backpacks, cola drinks in canisters, and bladed weapons.
He also called on the public to avoid making “bomb jokes” to prevent panic and stampede especially during the convergence of people in Araw events.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Police Regional Office-11 director, said all enforcement agencies and all units of the police will undertake tightened security measures, traffic management direction and control, public safety services, checkpoints within the city proper and boundaries to ensure the safety of the people.
“The burden of responsibility is in the hands of the law enforcement agencies,” he said, as also called on the public to be alert, vigilant and wary of suspicious personalities and packages and to report them to the authorities.
