• Cop chief tells players to observe national, local laws
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has reminded the participants in the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) to observe the local and national laws while in the city for the event.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum said they will strictly implement the local ordinances, especially the ban on smoking and drinking in public places.
“I would like to remind all athletes and visitors (on the ordinances),” Tagum said.
The DCPO director also warned the athletes and visiting spectators not to crack bomb jokes or other scenes that may cause panic and disrupt the event.
“You (will) be facing serious consequence if you do that,” Tagum said, pointing out that covert agents will be deployed in the crowd.
He also reminded the minors to observe the curfew, which prohibits them to loiter in the street from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Athletes participating in DAVRAA are said to be 16 years old and younger.
Tagum also reminded those visitors who will be watching the event to observe the traffic laws, particularly in wearing helmet while riding motorcycles and the prohibition on driving under the influence of liquor. It has been noted that motorcycle helmet and overloading laws are not implemented in some towns and cities in the region.
Tagum said they already ironed out a security plan for the event.
He said the Task Force Davao (TFD) and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion will augment the DCPO forces.
“We have already prepared our plan to ensure that all sports venues and billeting area of the athletes, their families and other visitors, including the hotels and all areas they will be visiting in the city, will be secured by our security forces,” Tagum said. “(We want) to ensure that their stay in Davao City will be safe and secured.”
Tagum refused to divulge the number of assigned security agents but assured that the security deployment “is now doubled.”
He said they are expecting governors, mayors and other politicians to accompany their delegates due to the incoming elections.
“Some national and local candidates may even go to the DAVRAA to mingle with the crowd,” Tagum said.
The DAVRAA will start on Jan. 27 and will run until Feb. 1.
