Friday, August 17, 2007 Task Force Davao on red alert for culmination of Kadayawan fest By Carlo P. Mallo
DESPITE the absence of a verified terror threat, Task Force Davao has been placed on red alert for the culmination of the Kadayawan Festivities over the weekend.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) also deployed about 1,400 personnel to man the streets of Davao.
DCPO director Jaime Morente said Thursday they have been on full alert status since August 8 when the Kadayawan Festivities kicked off.
However, he said that the peak of the Kadayawan is on the last two days.
The Kadayawan will culminate on August 18 and 19 with the much awaited Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and the Floral Float Parade. A horde of Dabawenyos is expected to flock the streets of Davao to join the festivities.
The several celebrities that would be flown in by various networks and product companies would also boost the number of spectators.
Apart from the local police, Task Force Davao will be on full deployment together with a platoon from the Army's 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
More random checkpoints also will be placed in the outskirts of the city.
However, Task Force Davao chief Colonel Alan Luga said although there is no imminent threat, they always presume that the threat of terrorism is always present.
