TF Davao strengthens the safety and security of Davao City amid terror threats

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 13): TF Davao strengthens the safety and security of Davao City amid terror threats

Task Force Davao commander Colonel Erwin Bernard Neri has asked the support of the 18th City Council to strengthen the safety and security of the city following the September 2 night market blast and terror threats.

Speaking  during the privilege hour at the regular session of the 18th City Council Session, he revealed that as far as terror threats are concerned, the security sector has to contend with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters based in Maguindanao and North Cotabato; Asnar Khilafa based in Palembang, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Neri said there is another terror group from Lanao called the Maute group.

“These are the groups which have plot to terrorize Davao City,” he said.

Neri did not convey details related to the night market blast, but cited the need for heightened awareness and readiness among the residents to be responsive and resilient amid terror threats.

He said he intends to raise the level of awareness of the public and stakeholders to the threats of terrorism and to raise the level of preparedness among the security forces like the TF Davao, Davao City Police Office, Emergency Response Center Central 911 and all other security forces in the city.

Neri cited the need to strengthen the intelligence network in all barangays in the city and to develop networking with all sectors in the city.

“I intend that all intelligence personnel from all other security units and civilian outfits for intelligence fusion, so that we can have good intelligence in the city,” he said.

Neri said the TF Davao is conducting deterrence operation with the deployment of more checkpoints in the city including patrols on the streets and the city shoreline.

He stressed that these efforts are not enough without the intelligence information coming from the people.

Neri said the TF Davao is also strengthening the security of areas that are presumed targets of terror groups.

“It is important that we need to harden these targets,” he said.

Neri said that locally, malls, parks and churches are the targets of terrorists, thus the need to strengthen the security of these areas.

He said that aside from massive information drive, drills must be conducted to ensure the readiness of all sectors from the public to the security sector.

“These are proactive measures with the end state to have a peaceful and secured Davao City where the civil government can pursue economic development and the people enjoy lasting peace,” Neri stressed.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381473741794/tf-davao-strengthens-the-safety-and-security-of-davao-city-amid-terror-threats