Authorities said security measures have been readied to ensure the safety of the public and peaceful observance during the Lenten season.Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Captain Ma. Theresita Gaspan said they are already done crafting the strategic security plan for the Holy Week, especially in areas for religious devotion like public churches and pilgrimage sites.
Security personnel will also be deployed in land transport terminals, seaports, airports, malls, public markets and tourist destinations in the city.
“It is a weeklong celebration of Lenten season so in all activities we will deploy our security personnel,” Gaspan told reporters during the weekly i-speak at City Hall on Thursday. “We have enough police personnel to provide security coverage throughout the whole duration of holy week.”
According to Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSCC) chief, Ret. Gen. Benito De Leon, an estimated total of 1,700 security personnel in uniform will be deployed for the Holy Week.
Task Force Davao (TFD) Commander Col. Consolito Yecla said they will intensify its security measures by deploying maximum number of his troops in churches especially in Shrine Hills, starting April 14,
Col. Randolph Cabangbang, TFD deputy commander, added that the no-backpack policy will still be strictly implemented including in non-Christian denomination worship places.
The Land Transportation Office will also check on the road safety of public utility vehicles as part of its Oplan Semana Santa this week.
Jun Antonio, LTO Law Enforcement Division chief, said they already started checking buses, passenger vans, and other public utility vehicles for road worthiness.
“We will conduct surprise inspection then whoever will be found to be not road worthy then automatic they will be replaced with another vehicle,” Benjamin Antonio Jr., LTO Law Enforcement Unit chief, added.
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) will also deploy personnel in 16 major churches in the city, starting this Sunday.
“Our main focus is the San Pedro church. As of now, it is the only area with road closure three days before the activity. For other areas, we will deploy personnel to guide them during the processions,” CTTMO chief, Dionisio Abude said. (with reports from Vincent James Toring and Saimehen Iluis/UM Interns)
