Despite NPA attack, athletic meet to push thru

CITY of MATI, Davao Oriental, Feb. 18 (PIA)--- Local chief executives are unfazed with the foiled attack of the New People’s Army on Mati City Police Station as they remain determined to host the Davao Regional Athletic Association(DAVRAA) Meet set next week from Feb. 24 to 28 in Mati City.

City of Mati Mayor Carlo Luis Rabat Monday said the DAVRAA in Mati City will  push through as scheduled next week, banking on the assurance of police authorities of heightened security during the event.

“Itutuloy natin ang DAVRAA. As a matter of fact, I have consulted PD (Provincial Director Jose) Carumba,  chair of the Committee on Peace and Order for the DAVRAA.  They are on top of the situation,” he told the media in a press conference.

In a separate interview, he disclosed his request for police force augmentation during the athletic event but he had yet to know the number of police to be detailed to step up security for the five-day DAVRAA Meet expected to draw about 6,000 athletes, coaches and visitors.

Philippine National Police (PNP) XI regional director, Police Chief Supt.  Wendy Rosario Monday said that the Police Regional Office will be providing additional police to provide security for DAVRAA.

“Walang dapat ipangamba.  (There is nothing to fear). The PNP is always prepared for this,”  he said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Gov. Corazon Malanyaon lauded the coordination between the military and the police that thwarted wide-scale damage to life that the NPA attack last Sunday evening, could have caused. She expected the same working relationship during the DAVRAA.

“They have  assured me of doubled security during the DARAA. Yes matutuloy (It will push through),” she said referring to the regional athletic meet.

“There is nothing to fear because I think the forces here are all too prepared for the event,” she added referring to Davao Oriental Provincial Office and the Philippine Army 701ST Infantry Brigade, both based in the City of Mati.

On the other hand,  Mayor Rabat told PIA XI of his plans to immediately meet with Department of Education (DepEd) XI and the committees handling the conduct of DAVRAA in Mati to assure them that  security needs would be met.  (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)