Public safety assured during 78th Araw ng Dabaw

DAVAO CITY, Mar 11 (PIA) Police and military authorities assured that there is no report about a direct threat to Davao City as it celebrates its 78th Founding Anniversary on March 16, despite the stepping up of atrocities perpetrated by the communist rebels in Davao Region and the ongoing offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao.

Senior Inspector Mary Grace Driz, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office explained that despite this development, the security sector has strengthened its presence and procedures to ensure public safety all the time.

She said all police units observe high state of alert to prevent criminal elements in conducting their nefarious activities during the festivity.
“We have strengthened our alertness and intensified target hardening and being proactive,” Driz said.

She said the public can report to the nearest police element, suspicious looking individuals so that they can be stopped, frisked and questioned immediately.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command also said that based on their monitoring there is no direct to the city’s safety and security.

He said the gentleman’s agreement between Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the New People’s Army not to harm police and civilians holds.

Brawner said the military headed by the Task Force Davao, the DCPO and the police regional and provincial offices are also ready to prevent and to respond to any eventuality.

“Everyone is doing the job to make Araw ng Dabaw very peaceful,” he said.

Brawner confirmed that there is no let-up in the ongoing military operation against the communist rebels outside Davao City aimed at reducing their capability to launch atrocities.

The Task Force Davao has issued an advisory to avoid the following in the event areas:  unattended children, bottled water and tumblers, sharp objects, deadly weapons, backpacks and laser pointers. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)