The Davao Police Regional Office is increasing security measures for the summer vacation, which police have coined as ‘SUMVAC.’Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales reminded all police units in the region to secure vital installations and implement target-hardening measures in relation to the operational guidelines of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dubbed Ligtas SUMVAC 2019.
During summer, Morales said various occasions such as Holy Week, Flores de Mayo, town fiestas, and other related activities usually happen from the first week of April until the end of May.
“Such events are expected to generate numerous commuters and tourists who will travel to their respective provinces and tourist destinations and these may cause peace and order concerns including traffic congestion, accidents and other crimes,” he said.
“Criminal elements may take advantage of people converging in places such as beach and other tourist destinations for relaxation and recreation,” he added.
With that, Morales said the PRO 11 ensures that police presence will be intensified through increased foot/mobile patrols, establish Police Assistance Desks/Centers (PADs/Cs) and deploy Road Safety Marshalls in convergence points particularly in Davao City International Airport, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, seaport in Sasa, recreational areas, and roads, including highways, main thoroughfares and other crime-prone areas to ensure maximum police presence.
As of now, Morales said there have been no validated reports of terrorist threats in the region, including the capital city, while security forces and the intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs
Furthermore, he said the PRO 11 will continue its focus on manhunt operations against wanted persons, intelligence driven operations against criminal gangs and suspected threat groups, and service of warrants on loose firearms as stipulated in the Enhanced Managing Police Operations especially that the midterm elections is fast approaching.
Morales said, “We already have maximum personnel deployed on the streets, and we have also utilized the Police Riders’ Response Team in Davao City to safeguard our communities against criminal elements especially on the narrow streets. We also assure the public that sufficient units are on standby, ready to respond to any situation and act on contingencies.”
He said the public’s social responsibility and cooperation is very vital in preventing crime in the community.
PRO 11 encouraged the public to provide the police with relevant and timely information through social media (Twitter @pro11pio or on our PRO 11 Facebook page), local hotlines or by dialing 911.
