Davao City holds 1st anti-terrorism forum

THE City Government on Thursday conducted the first "Davao City Anti-Terrorism Forum" in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Mayor Sara Duterte said this is in line with her plans to involve communities in preventing terrorism in the city.

"Ang atong focus is naay awareness ang katawhan regarding threats of terrorism. (Our focus is to create awareness in people regarding the threats of terrorism.) With the expertise of our law enforcers, they would be sharing information to heads of malls, hospitals, barangays, even schools. Those who are present would be given materials which they can copy in their own communities, posters that they can post in schools," Duterte said.

The forum was attended by barangay captains, City Government employees, military and police heads, as well as leaders from the private sector.

Talks and open forums were conducted on the topics on terrorism and anti/counter terrorism strategies; confronting the terrorist threat in the city; and setting the policies in establishing a united front.

Speakers were National Counter-Terrorism Unit director for operation Col. Antonio Sugarol; Task Force Davao commander Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero; and newly-appointed City Public Safety officer, Ret. Major Magno Adalin.

Adalin said this initiative by the City Government aims to strengthen the public's knowledge on how to protect their communities and themselves from terrorism.

Duterte also reminded barangay captains of their role in protecting their communities.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) chair Engr. Robert Quinto also pointed that the main concern of homegrown investors is peace and order.

"Perhaps what we from the private sector can contribute is to share information. We in the Chamber are doing this; for the establishments, we advise that they install CCTVs to protect them," Quinto said. (JCZ)