More cops deployed in Davao for Kadayawan

STARTING today, Monday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) will deploy additional policemen in Davao City to intensify the implementation of the localized gun ban and to help ensure peace and order during the celebration of the 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, which kicked off on Friday.

Superintendent Marcial M. Magistrado, PRO spokesperson, said an additional 300 policemen will be deployed in the city to augment at least 2,000 police personnel under the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Magistrado said at least 100 augmentation forces will come from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), while at least 200 Scout Rangers will be deployed to DCPO to help increase police visibility in various areas in the city.

Authorities have mapped out security measures to maintain peace and order during the festival as thousands of tourists, both foreign and local, are expected to arrive in the city to join the celebration.

Arturo Boncato, regional tourism officer, said they are expecting at least 70,000 visitors during the Kadaywaan, touted as Mindanao's biggest festival.

Magistrado said the deployment of additional police forces in the city is based on the instruction regional police director Chief Superintendent Jaime H. Morente.

The city is implementing a month-long localized gun ban, starting on August 1, in line with the revelry.

"We conducted our conference on Thursday, and ‘yun nga pinag-usapan namin ‘yung seguridad for Davao City, which is now celebrating the Kadayawan. We reminded our personnel to strictly implement our security measures," Magistrado said.

Philippine National Police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome ordered the suspension of gun-carrying privileges for one month to ensure the safety of the public.