Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

By Retired Analyst

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

TFD sends soldiers to churches ahead of mass

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 23, 2019): TFD sends soldiers to churches ahead of mass (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

Following the series of explosions in Cotabato and Maguindanao, the Task Force Davao (TFD) has imposed strengthen security measures in churches.

Col. Consolito Yecla said troopers will be deployed at the churches early – at least 30 minutes before the start of mass.

The “pro-active measures” aims to check any possible means of emplacing Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the surrounding of the churches.


In the three blasts that hit the island on Sunday, one exploded few meters from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral that wounded 14 persons, seven of them soldiers and seven civilians, along Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City at around 6 p.m. Sunday (see related story on page 2).

“We emphasized on early deployment,” Yecla said. The early position of soldiers outside the church will counter attempt by the terrorists to place EID.

“We have coordinated with the police and its auxiliary guarding the gate of the churches,” Yecla said.

While police officers are inspections bags and other portable containers of churchgoers at the gate, TFD soldiers are detailed outside the church to inspect civilians carrying backpacks and wearing jackets to prevent suicide bombing and grenade throwing.

Earlier, the TFD is urging church workers to do their part in securing their respective churches.

The Davao City Police Office also imposed a one-entrance, one-exit program to deter the entry of criminals and terrorists.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/24/tfd-sends-soldiers-to-churches-ahead-of-mass/
Retired Analyst at 6:48 AM
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Retired Analyst
OVERVIEW: Retired soldier/civilian analyst - Vietnam veteran- Southeast Asia specialist - Spent some time in Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, Korea, and the Philippines - Now old and long-retired - Enjoying the good life - Blog helps to keep me mentally active
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