The Davao Police Regional Office assured the public of the safety and security in the region in the observance of Holy Week which started last Palm Sunday until the Easter celebration.
PRO 11 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales said that enough number of policemen are deployed in populous areas like terminals, airport, seaport, markets, malls and churches as well as tourist destinations that are often visited by local and foreign tourists this Holy Week to give security and assistance to the public.
He also directed all city and provincial Commanders to stay on alert and to instruct their personnel to remain in their respective posts.
“We expect the influx of visitors coming in and out of the region especially this Holy Week, and I directed all our police unit commanders to be vigilant and ensure public safety services and enhance motorists assistance operations to make sure that our community and tourists will not be victimized,” he added.
Since Sunday, April 14, Morales and members of the Command Group were already conducting inspections and visitations to cemeteries and other vital installations to ensure that all deployed personnel are in place.
Members of the Traffic Group-DCPO and City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) are also deployed in these areas.
“The movement of people, utilizing all forms of transportation, usually creates traffic jams or congestion along major thoroughfares and roads leading to transport terminals,” PBGen Morales said.
He is also reminding the public to observe the Do’s and Dont’s inside the churches.
In Davao City, Mayor Sara Duterte has ordered a “No Backpack Policy” in all houses of worships or churches in the city.
This was after the bomb attacks that hit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, January 27, 2019.
Prevention of crime
Further, Morales said the public, especially those who will be travelling, should avoid wearing jewelries, bringing huge sums of money, and using expensive gadgets, as a security measure.
“Prevention is the best protection against crime. With the right information and action, you can reduce the risk of being a crime victim,” he said.
PRO 11 will continue to conduct manhunt operations against wanted persons, intelligence driven operations against criminal gangs and suspected threat groups, and serving of warrants on loose firearms as stipulated in the Enhanced Managing Police Operations especially that the midterm elections is fast approaching.
DCPO
In an interview yesterday at the sidelines of the firearms presentation in Camp Quintin Merecido , Buhangin, City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum, said that in a regular command conference last week he had discussed the implementation a more intensified deployment to cover not only churches but the route of Church processions.
“We will have no leave and will be in full alert so expect a maximum number deployed by the Davao City Police Office together with our police auxiliary,” Tagum said.
He said they are monitoring at least 30 Churches with two teams deployed including the mobile patrol.
Task Force Davao
The Task Force Davao will join the multi-sector effort to secure the city. This cooperation of the PNP, AFP, CSU, BFP, CTTMO, LGUs, Catholic Church and organizations will enhance peace and order during this season.
At the courtesy call of the Task Force Commander with Archbishop Valles in San Pedro Cathedral, he agreed on the implementation of “no backpack policy” during procession, “sugat” and other Holy Week activities outside churches.
This includes the use of transparent water bottles only during the said activities for security reasons.
“I will announce this during the mass,” the archbishop said.
TFD commander Col. Consolito Yecla, said 81 CAFGU Active Auxiliary II members completed Basic Military Training and they will be immediately deployed during the Holy Week.
Earlier yesterday, Task Force Davao also participated in the send-off ceremony of security forces composed of the AFP, PNP, CTTMO, CSU and BFP at Headquarters, DCPO.
The activity was spearheaded by the DCPO with PBGen Marcelo Morales PNP, RD, PRO 11 who gave the final guidance. According to Col Yecla, “the whole security cluster in Davao city is one and united in ensuring the peace and security of this city.”
“Immediately report persons of suspicious character, and unattended bags, packages and objects that are out of place. It is only through our strong cooperation that we can ensure the peace and security of this beautiful city,” Col Yecla said.
