In line with the upcoming Kadayawan festival, various law enforcers conducted a simulation exercise in two areas to test the readiness and capability of the personnel and volunteer groups in case of untoward events.
In a phone interview yesterday, Benito De Leon, the chief of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), said the security forces in the city are already prepared for any eventuality that might take place in the city.
“The assessment for the bomb drill simulation exercise in the city is successful as we have tested the preparedness of the PNP and AFP and emergency medical services to response to incidents,” De Leon said.
“Purposely, we have not announced it (simulation) to the public to test the capability of the city close to real situation,” he added.
He also thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding in the conduct of simulation exercise. “I would say we are successful,” he said.
“We’ll improve on the observed weaknesses to test the capability of the city.” De Leon said.
“It is a good timing for the Kadayawan festival in strengthening the security measures,” he further said.
“I would say given the simulation exercise, the security forces are more than ready to ensure the security and safety of the city and we were able to check the responses and cooperation of the public.”
In a separate interview, Col. Nolasco Mempin, the commander of Task Force Davao, said they have simulated an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion at the Bankerohan Public Market which supposedly killed three and injured another three victims.
After 20 minutes, Mempin said another IED was reported at Quezon Park in front of the city hall.
The Task Force Davao commander said the simulation exercise was part of their continuing program to further enhance safety, security, and emergency medical service clusters inter-operability and measure the response time of the first responders.
“It is also in line with the Kadayawan festival 2018,” Mempin said.
The simulation exercise was conducted by the PSSCC, Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Office, Central 911, Bureau of Fire and Protection XI, and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO).
