- Zero incidents as Catholic tradition draws thousands: DCPO
MORE THAN 5,000 people across Davao City participated in the peaceful Easter Sunday “Sugat” celebration on April 20, 2025, according to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).
Sugar is a Visayan religious practice of reenacting the “meeting” or welcoming the risen Christ.
Reports from various police stations detailed the security measures implemented to ensure the safety and orderliness of the religious gatherings.
At Sto. Rosario Parish in Toril, a large crowd estimated at around 3,500 gathered for the Easter Sunday “Sugat” Mass that began at 3:53 a.m.
Personnel from Police Station 8 (Toril), led by LT Christian Orville’s Abug and under the supervision of Major Sheryl Bautista, station commander, were deployed to provide security and maintain high visibility.
They were augmented by personnel from the City Mobile Force Company, Regional Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Unit, City Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Toril Proper Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Regional Service Unit, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), and barangay tanods (village watchmen).
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero said the situation remained peaceful and orderly throughout the event, with no untoward incidents reported.
Meanwhile, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Fatima Street, Barangay 24-C, an estimated 500 churchgoers attended the Easter Sunday tradition at approximately 4 a.m.
Headquarters personnel, spearheaded by Fatima Church sector supervisors Major Benkalin Baluan and Major Jethro Joy Salanap, along with personnel from Police Station 1 (Sta. Ana) under the supervision of station commander Major Richeen Lagnayo, ensured the safety of the crowd.
Police auxiliary personnel, Mobile Patrol Unit, Task Force personnel, CSU, and the CTTMO were also deployed to the area. She said the situation was reported as peaceful and orderly.
In the Tugbok District, Police Station 9 personnel, under the supervision of Major Neil Vistar, OIC, also secured the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Barangay Tugbok Proper.
The activity, which started at around 4 a.m., saw an estimated crowd of 300 devotees.
Police personnel assisted pedestrians and devotees and managed traffic flow in the area. The situation remained fair and orderly.
Simultaneously in Mintal, also in the Tugbok District, PS9 personnel were deployed to Mintal Elementary School where Easter activities were held starting at approximately 4:15 a.m.
They were supported by CSU personnel, Barangay Disaster Risk and Reduction Management, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Task Force Davao. An estimated 900 people attended the events in this location.
Moreover, the police also extended their efforts to assist pedestrians and manage traffic.
Caballero further said the successful and peaceful observance of Easter Sunday in Davao City highlighted the effective security measures implemented by the DCPO and the cooperation of the public.
