Following the series of explosions in Cotabato and Maguindanao, the Task Force Davao (TFD) has imposed strengthen security measures in churches.
Col. Consolito Yecla said troopers will be deployed at the churches early – at least 30 minutes before the start of mass.
The “pro-active measures” aims to check any possible means of emplacing Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the surrounding of the churches.
In the three blasts that hit the island on Sunday, one exploded few meters from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral that wounded 14 persons, seven of them soldiers and seven civilians, along Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City at around 6 p.m. Sunday (see related story on page 2).
“We emphasized on early deployment,” Yecla said. The early position of soldiers outside the church will counter attempt by the terrorists to place EID.
“We have coordinated with the police and its auxiliary guarding the gate of the churches,” Yecla said.
While police officers are inspections bags and other portable containers of churchgoers at the gate, TFD soldiers are detailed outside the church to inspect civilians carrying backpacks and wearing jackets to prevent suicide bombing and grenade throwing.
Earlier, the TFD is urging church workers to do their part in securing their respective churches.
The Davao City Police Office also imposed a one-entrance, one-exit program to deter the entry of criminals and terrorists.
