DAVAO CITY, Mar 12 (PIA) Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered the police and military to tighten the security of the city days before and during the celebration of the Arawng Davao on March 16.
Speaking to reporters following the command conference with the security cluster of goverment Tuesday night, he said one of the events of the celebration which is the SayawansaDaan will be confined at the People’s Park because of security consideration.
He explained that the government continues to be alert against terrorism which happens all over the world.
Duterte recalled the city had experience terror attacks several times before.
“The security will be as tight as that during the Martial Law days. It is called hardening,” he said.
Duterte described the scenario like the presence of check points and inspections.
He assured that the government personnel on the checkpoint will be courteous and to do their job with a smile.
Duterte said the security in Davao City in the coming days will be strengthened, characterized by the presence of security forces from the police, military and other members of the security sector of government.
He urged the people to understand the authorities in its approach in handling the city’s security.
“We are just being prudent. But I would like to ask the cooperation of the people to understand us and to be vigilant, to prevent any incident, God forbids,” Duterte stressed.
He said he has to problem with the New People’s Army and even invited them to send a contingent to participate in the civic-military parade provided they do not carry their firearms.
Duterte said rebels may go back to the mountains and pursue their armed struggle.
“We recognize the state of rebellion in this place. I have no problem with the rebels. I just reacted over their use of improvised land mine which hit several civilians,” he said.
Duterte cited the incidents where the rebels used improvised landmines in Balutakay, Bansalan and Matana-o recently which wounded several soldiers and civilians and killed seven soldiers, respectively.
He said that in the days to come, he will discuss with the rebels not to use of landmines so that the Philippine Air Force will not be used against them.
“It is good that the rebels will follow what they invoke based on the Geneva Convention. It behoves upon them to also honor the treaty,” Duterte pointed out.
He said the Arawng Davao celebration will have three main highlights namely the crowning of the Mutyang Davao, SayawansaDaan and the civic-military parade on March 16.
“The Arawng Davao celebration is more of a sovereign exercise. The participation here is more from the government,” Duterte said.
He said he already requested all the police, military and functionaries of government to participate to show to the people that the city continues to move forward to progress.
Superintendent Richard Bad-ang, chief of the Civil Relations Branch of the Davao City Police Office revealed that a contingent of policemen has been sent by the Police Regional Office 11 to augment the current number of policemen to handle security duties during the festivity.
He said they also seek the assistance of the Philippine Army to assist in keeping the city safe. (PIA-11 Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
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