SECURITY forces held a surprise two-part simulation exercise on Aug. 7 to test their readiness for potential threats during the upcoming 39th Kadayawan Festival.
The first scenario simulated an unattended baggage containing an improvised explosive device (IED) that was left at the Dumalag Road junction of the Davao City Coastal Road.
The baggage was spotted by a civilian who immediately reported it to a passing patrol car. A team with the K9 unit was immediately dispatched to secure the area.
The second scenario simulated an IED explosion outside the Central Convenience Store on Roxas Avenue which caused multiple casualties.
Present during the SIMEX were personnel from the Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), 911 EMS, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Regional Forensic Unit 11 (RFU XI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA XI), Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Regional Maritime Unit (RMU XI), Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Tactical Operations Group (TOG 11).
Col. Darren Comia, commander of the Task Force Davao, said the SIMEX intends to test the effectiveness of the Culture of Security and Anti-Terror Campaign of the city as well as to assess the readiness and coordination of the safety and security cluster and other concerned units.
He added that the SIMEX was also conducted to further ensure the safety and security of the month-long celebration of the 39th Kadayawan Festival.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) Head, Angel Sumagaysay, also emphasized that maintaining the peace and order of the city is not only a responsibility shouldered by the city’s safety and security cluster.
“The success in maintaining the peace and order of our city also relies on the support of the community as they are also our frontliners,” he said.
“The safety and security cluster of the city would be nothing without the support of the community,” Sumagaysay added.
The PSSO and the TF Davao also assured the public that the city remains free from any terror threat. However, the safety and security cluster continues to stay on high alert.
The city government also continues to urge Dabawenyos and other individuals who wish to visit the city to practice the culture of security “Kapag may nakita, Dapat Magsalita.”
The TF Davao called on the public to cooperate and be advocates of the culture of security. Davaoeños are encouraged to volunteer for security checks and report suspicious activities, people, and unattended baggage.
