DAVAO CITY — Government security forces rolled out a surprise simulation exercise on Wednesday morning to test their readiness and capability to implement the security measures for the Kadayawan Festival next week.
Benito De Leon, chief of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), said the simulation exercise conducted in two areas of the city showed that local security forces are prepared for any “eventuality.”
“The assessment for the bomb drill simulation exercise in the city is successful, as we have tested the preparedness of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and emergency medical services to respond to incidents in the city,” de Leon said.
De Leon said holding the surprise simulation exercise primarily aims to test the capability of the city in dealing with real-life security situations. He thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding, noting that it caused traffic in the areas near the public market and City Hall.
“I would say we are successful. We have achieved the readiness and will improve on the observed weaknesses,” de Leon said, adding they obtained valuable insight based on the “responses and cooperation of the public”.
In a separate interview, Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of Task Force Davao, said the simulation exercise involved an “explosive device blast” at the Bankerohan Public Market that “killed three and injured three others.”
After 20 minutes, Mempin said, another “IED” was reported at Quezon Park in front of the City Hall.
Mempin said the simulation exercise aims to further enhance safety, security and emergency medical service clusters inter-operability, as well as to measure the response time of first responders.
The simulation exercise was participated in by the PSSCC, Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Office, Central 911, Bureau of Fire and Protection-11 and City Transport and Traffic Management Office. (Rhoda Grace B. Saron/PNA)
