Army general lauds Davaoeños' high awareness on terror threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Army general lauds Davaoeños' high awareness on terror threat

Task Force Davao has responded to clear more than 70 unattended baggage since it tightened the security of the city in the aftermath of the September 2 explosion that ripped through the Roxas night market.

Brig. General Gilbert Gapay, assistant commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command and chief of the Task Force Haribon, said the awareness level among residents is now high considering that they actually report to authorities baggage left unattended to ensure the safety of themselves and their surroundings.

He explained that the primary mission of the TF Haribon is to deter any terror act.

“There must be no repeat of the September 2 explosion in the city,” Gapay said.

He said the security of the city must be enhanced knowing that it hosts several national and international activities.

Gapay said that as one of the proactive measures, the security sector also monitors the movement of terror groups and conducts preemptive strike on terror groups before they can actualize their plans.

“As much as possible, we have to neutralize them in their respective areas,” he said.
Gapay said threat groups must not be allowed to enter the city.

He said intelligence and information gathering is also enhanced to peer on the activities and locations of terror leaders and members no matter how hard it is, knowing that they operate in small numbers.

Gapay also guaranteed the core competence of TF Haribon given its equipment and skills, night flying capability, air and naval components.

Task Force Haribon is composed of the Task Force Davao, 3rd Infantry Battalion, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=951468