One-hundred trainees of the basic internal security operation course were deployed on Monday to beef up the Davao City Police Office to secure areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office XI director, spearheaded the sendoff ceremony and awarding of medals and commendation in Camp Quintin Mericido, in Catitipan, Buhangin District.
Escobal said the regional office is always looking for ways to help Davao City slow down the spread of the infection. The city has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Southern Mindanao, with 161 cases as of 2 p.m. yesterday.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has included Davao City in areas that are set to revert back to the general community quarantine on May 16. However, the recommendation is still up for review today.
“By deploying more personnel to Davao City, we hope that there would be more bodies who will patrol the streets and also enforce the ordinances on the COVID-19 pandemic,” Escobal said.
During the ceremony, Cpl. Sohaiben H. Ali Sarip and Patrolman Christian John R. Moreno were awarded the PNP Medalya ng Papuri, while Police Auxiliary Benjie C. Guadamor was given a Letter of Commendation for their exemplary efficiency and devotion to duty during the successful conduct of police assistance leading to the apprehension of Reymond Balagise on May 6, 2020 at the Bankerohan Public Market.
“Hopefully, those who were honored will serve as an inspiration for us who serve the country,” he added.
“Let us perform our duties at all times. And just like what I always remind everyone, take care of yourself and health,” the regional director further said.
There are 560 police personnel deployed across the region to man the checkpoints. The Davao City Police Office, meanwhile, as about 2,500 personnel, excluding the civilian security force hired by the local government.
The Interagency Task Force, meanwhile, has recommended that only 50% of the force should be out on the field to lessen cross-infection. Once infected, they are mandated to undergo quarantines, which will severely impact the enforcement of public order and safety.
