Cotabato to impose ‘no backpack’ policy

From the Business World (Aug 28): Cotabato to impose ‘no backpack’ policy

After the cities of Davao and General Santos, North Cotabato will also ban the use of backpacks during a provincial celebration on Sept. 1.

Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza said the provincial government, the military and the police have agreed to impose the “no backpack policy” as a precautionary measure.

The province and nearby Cotabato City have experienced bomb attacks in the past months. Following the rash of bombings in Mindanao, Davao City first implemented the no backpack policy during the culmination of the Kadayawan Festival early this month.

General Santos City has implemented the same policy last week as it prepares to celebrate the Tuna Festival on Sept. 5.

More than a dozen bombs were discovered, some detonated, in North Cotabato last month mostly in the towns of Midsayap and Kabacan as well as in Kidapawan City.

Sr. Supt. Danilo P. Peralta, provincial police chief, said the policy will be strictly implemented in public places and festival venues.

HEIGHTENED SECURITY

Ms. Mendoza, also the chairperson of provincial peace and order council, announced on Tuesday that the province will be placed under heightened security to ensure safety of residents in the celebration.

The provincial government has sought the help of the 602nd and 1002nd brigades to augment the local police force, she added.

Mr. Peralta said uniformed officers will be deployed to secure crowded places and the 30-hectare provincial capitol grounds where most events will take place.

The festival will highlight the Kulintang Extravaganza, a musical event; Sepa sa Manggis to highlight a traditional Moro sport event; and street dancing, among others.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Cotabato-to-impose-‘no-backpack’-policy&id=75657