DAVAO CITY’S security cluster conducted a two-part simulation exercise (SIMEX) on Wednesday night, testing their response to critical situations.
The first scenario involved an unattended bag with a potential explosive device at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).
The second scenario simulated an explosion at City Hall with casualties and injuries.
“Pina-activate nation yong Integrated Response on Terrorism Plan ‘Usahay II’, activating the joint security forces in the event of a terror attack on Davao City,” said Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia.
Comia said the safety and security members passed the primary objectives of the action plan with flying colors. These were to de-escalate the situation, minimize the damage to life and property, and neutralize the threat of the perpetrators.
He bared that the planted explosive device in the first scenario was successfully retrieved by the K9 unit and safely disposed of by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The emergency responders as well as the security and safety units, he said, also efficiently executed their duties.
Comia said all senior officers in the command post of last night’s SIMEX unanimously gave the security cluster a high score of 9/10, adding that the execution of the action plan was ‘near perfect’ were it not for some lapses in communication. However, he said this should be expected due to the sheer number of responders from local and national agencies.
“May mga minor glitches. May mga small things to iron out and we will do that kasi by next we’ll be having the after-action review,” the TFD commander said.
“Objective pa rin natin na magkaroon ng muscle memory ‘yung lahat ng security and safety forces in the event of a terror attack sa Davao City. At least, ma-achieve natin by rehearsing, by simulating yong mga possible scenarios,” he added.
Another remarkable thing during last night’s SIMEX, Col. Comia said, is the participation of civilian volunteers in the exercise.
“They participated well … Natutuwa din tayo on our part kasi they are volunteering themselves para matulungan ‘yung local government unit of Davao City and the security and safety forces,” he said.
The TFD Commander also thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation during the simulation exercise.
“Ang inyo pong safety and security cluster members ng Davao City ay gumagawa ng paraan para ma-ensure yung safety and security ng bawa’t-isang Dabawenyo. Ang inyo pong partisipasyon sa lahat ng security measures na ipanapatupad kagaya na ng mga simulation exercises ay napakalaking tulong po para ma-ensure natin o ma-address natin ang anumang situation at hand,” he said.
Wednesday’s SIMEX was participated in by personnel from the TF 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), City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Regional Maritime Unit (RMU XI), Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Tactical Operations Group (TOG 11), City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO).
