DAVAO CITY — After the twin bombings in Jolo on Monday, August 24, the Task Force Davao has tightened its borders including the sea, land, and water terminals.
“We strengthened our borders and all entry and exit points,” says Task Force Davao commander Col. Consolito Yecla in an interview with Newsline.ph, adding that “the three border control areas particularly in Lasang, Bunawan District, Sirawan, Toril District and Lacson, Calinan.”
Given the signature of the bombs which the terrorists usually use, Yecla said all motorcycle tanks, utility boxes, and other things which can attribute to the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) are subjected to inspection.
But he said that law-abiding citizens have nothing to worry, “We always inspect scarfs, robe-like hijab as we have a designated a cubicle as inspection area for women”.
He said aside from the intensified operation in the boarders, they are also strengthening its checkpoints at Davao Internation Airport, Seaports, and Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.
No Direct Threat in Davao
Davao people must cooperate and ensure that culture of safety practices “While we do not have a direct threat in Davao City, we should never lower our guards against terrorists. We should always maintain our level of vigilance even in the midst of COVID-19 Pandemic, ” Yecla said.
He said there will be a deployment of additional Maritime Patrol in coordination with Maritime Forces to secure out coastlines.
Yecla said his personnel will also conduct visits to the establishments or crowded areas for security checks and coordination with market managers and security officers.
He said motorcycles are also prohibited from parking in all crowded areas especially within the vicinity of Davao City Hall and other areas declared as Maximum Security Zones.
Yecla said he urged all Dabawenyos to practice the four acts of Culture of Security such as reporting any suspicious persons in their area and remind other people to be vigilant. –Armando B. Fenequito Jr.
