THE holding of the simultaneous bomb drills this week was aimed at ascertaining the preparedness of the law enforcement units and other responders, said Col. Kirby John Kraft, Davao City Police Office chief.
Begging for the indulgence of the public, Kraft said it was intentionally not announced to assess the capability of the police and other security forces in responding to such incidents as the exercise was designed to look like it was actual bomb explosion.
Kraft asked for the understanding of the public after the surprise bomb drill drew mixed reactions from the people who were inconvenienced due to closure of some major streets, particularly those areas that were the drill site.
The bomb drill was held during peak hours from 7 am to 10 am at the Roxas Avenue.
“Even our people on the ground, even our police did not know (of the event) because our purpose here was to assess their reaction when it comes to these kinds of incidents,” Kraft said in an interview over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Thursday.
Kraft appealed to the people to support such exercise because terrorist attacks unannounced and happen anytime even during a pandemic.
“We are only doing this for the welfare of Dabawenyos and Davao City, to keep our city peaceful,” he added.
