PNP, Army beef up security for ‘Araw ng Davao’ celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): PNP, Army beef up security for ‘Araw ng Davao’ celebration

The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army, Task Force Davao and the city government pooled resources and logistics to beef up security in the city for the 78th Araw ng Davao this week. No bringing of canisters, deadly weapons, sharp objects and backpacks in activity areas of the Araw ng Dabaw. Most of all, be vigilant and on alert against suspicious things and persons.

These were just among the reminders of the police and army to Dabawenyos going to the different venues of “Araw” activities beginning Tuesday until March 16.

Even Mayor Rodrigo Duterte wished that the city will be spared from violence not only during Araw ng Dabaw but also in the coming days.

“We do not want trouble…we want to live…dili makasakit (not harm),” said Duterte, who led the formal opening of the Araw celebration on Tuesday night at Rizal park.

He said Davao City will have many visitors this week including foreign students. That is why he said he has asked for troop and police augmentation to ensure safe and secure celebration.

Duterte said he is also expecting senators and other politicians from other areas to witness the city’s celebration.

During the AFP-PNP press corps at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Sr. Insp. Milgrace Driz said they are not taking chances as lawless elements would always take advantage during gatherings.

Driz said they have beefed up security of the city and the hardening of targets. She said more than hundred police personnel from the Regional Public Safety Batallion arrived in Davao City the other day in order to augment the present police force.

Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Sr. Supt. Antonio Rivera said the region provided additional manpower about two platoons. In addition, scout trainees were also deployed while force multipliers are covering the barangay level.

Rivera said there will be about a thousand augmentation forces from the region for the Araw celebration.

Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Romeo Brawner said they do not have information on direct threats to Davao City but security forces are on alert. He said the Task Force Davao are providing security at entry and exit points in Davao City while army troops take charge of periphery areas to make sure celebration is peaceful.

“There is no let up in our operations. We remain pro-active,” Brawner said.

All security forces assured they will do their best to secure the city and people during the Araw celebration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743891