DAVAO CITY — Despite Saturday’s explosion inside the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) headquarters, the city and the entire region was generally peacefully during the observance of the Holy Week.
This was the assessment made by the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 11, but tight security measures will continue to be implemented with the upcoming 2019 Palarong Pambansa hosted by this city.
The national games will kick-off on April 27.
Police Maj. Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson, attributed the peaceful observance of the Holy Week to the strengthening of security measures in the Davao Region.
Baria said the explosion at the DCPO Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) was an isolated case.
“The strengthening of security measures in Davao Region during the Holy Week had been successful,” Baria said in a text message.
Baria said there was full deployment of personnel in each city and at the provincial level to secure all churches.
In Davao City, Baria said DCPO deployed roughly 300 police personnel and more than 200 other security and safety forces.
According to Baria, the implementation of the security measure will continue, particularly in Davao City which will host the 2019 Palarong Pambansa.
This is also part of the Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation) from April to end of May.
“But during the Palaro meron tayong additional personnel to augment just like the last DAVRAA (But during the Palaro, we will have additional personnel to augment just like the last DAVRAA – Davao Regional Athletic Association),” Baria added.
Under SumVac, PRO-11 is stepping up the security measures focusing more on the vital installations and implement target hardening measures.
Brig Gen. Marcelo Morales, PRO-11 director, said there are special events during April and May such as fiesta celebrations and Flores de Mayo which will draw more tourists and increase traffic to the tourist destinations.
During the months of April and May, Morales said, criminal elements may take advantage of people converging in places such as beach and other places of relaxation and recreation.
Authorities have assured that police will be more visible through intensified foot and mobile patrols, police assistance desks, and deployment of road safety marshals in convergence points. -PNA
