ABOUT 9,000 members of the security cluster have been deployed to key areas in the city as part of the security measures for the Yuletide season.
Angel Sumagaysay, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) chief, said Friday the heightened security will last until Christmas day as the city government is implementing the month long Pasko Fiesta.
“All members of the security cluster will provide personnel,” Sumagaysay said.
On December 1, the city government opened the Yuletide season celebration with the lighting of the Christmas tree and the 3D Light Show at the façade of the decades-old City Hall.
Other activities include “Panayegon sa Davao” or Christmas caroling activities of choir groups started Friday and will last until December 18, the “Koro sa Pasko” or chorale singing competition will be on December 7; the “Pasko sa Mga Lumad ug Badjao” or fun-filled days for indigenous people showcasing their tribal songs, dances, and games; the “Pasko Kumbira sa City Hall” or Christmas fun for City Hall employees at Rizal Park and Pasko Song Writing Contest at Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park on December 16; the “Siyam ka Kadlawon” or the early morning mass from December 16 to 24 on Bolton Street; “Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta” on December 17; the “Banda Dasig” on December 18; the “Pasko at Musika ng University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra” on December 20 at the University of Southeastern Philippines Sports and Cultural Center; the “Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta” (final round) on December 23 at the Rizal Park; and the “Misa Dabawenyo” on December 25 at the San Pedro Cathedral.
Major Catherine dela Rey, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, reminded Dabawenyos and tourists that bringing backpacks and jackets is prohibited in these activities, encouraging the Christmas revelers to observe the “culture of security” in the city.
She said the combined forces of police, Task Force Davao, Public Safety and Security Command Center, and volunteers have been deployed since Tuesday.
