NEARLY 10,000 security forces will be deployed in the city during the opening of the Pasko Fiesta on Nov. 28 next week.
In an interview on Tuesday, Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said there will be a total of 9,806 security forces, 4,731 of whom will come from the DCPO, deployed for the month-long celebration, including from the Philippine Army police auxiliary, and force multipliers.
Tuazon said the personnel will start fanning out from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 to provide security and ensure the safety of the public during the Pasko Fiesta activities.
Recently, DCPO chief Col Alberto Lupaz said they calibrated and completed the security plan for the month-long celebration of the Pasko Fiesta.
Also, he said police will continue to intensify its anti-criminality campaign as they expect a surge in petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft during the holiday season.
Pasko Fiesta is an annual celebration spearheaded by the City Tourism Office usually launched in the first week of December. Last year, the local government introduced and funded 14 events for Davaoeños and visitors, including free treats of ice cream and popcorn for children.
Lupaz also said they will conduct Patrol Rehiyon Onse, an initiative by Police Regional Office XI director Brig Gen Alden Delvo to intensify the drive against crimes in the city.
“It’s a fact na pag malapit na ang Christmas season tumataas yung crimes against property like pickpocketing (It’s a fact that crimes against property like pickpocketing increase during Christmas Season). Yung aming Patrol Rehiyon Onse, mas lalo pa namin paiigtingin yan (we will further enhance our Patrol Rehiyon Onse),” he added.
Executive Order (EO) No. 50 by Mayor Sebastian Duterte last year stated that Pasko Fiesta aimed “to share the spirit of giving and merrymaking among the various sectors of society, especially with the marginalized sectors, through the staging of various activities that create a festive atmosphere in the City and showcase Dabawenyos’ talents, creativity, and ingenuity.”
