Friday, October 31, 2008 Security tightened for 'undas' By Carlo P. Mallo
SECURITY throughout Southern Mindanao, especially in Davao City, has been beefed up for the commemoration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day this weekend.
The security was further intensified following the discovery of an improvised explosive device at the bus terminal in Kabacan, North Cotabato on Tuesday.
Col. Oscar Lactao, chief of Task Force Davao, said they have intensified their security operations in the city's various entry and exit points, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, Davao International Airport, and Sasa Wharf.
The Davao City Police Office, on the other hand, has been placed on heightened alert since Friday and will deploy additional personnel to man the city's 29 public and private cemeteries.
"Random checkpoints, roving patrols, and frisking at the entry of cemeteries will be implemented throughout the weekend," said Sr. Supt. Ramon Apolinario, city police director, during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Forum Thursday.
Reports from Fort Bonifacio show that Philippine Army troops foiled a bomb attack in a bus terminal in Barangay Poblacion in Kabacan at 11:36 a.m. on October 28.
The operation involved members of the 65th Explosive and Ordnance (EOD) team and 6th Infantry Division led by Captain Francis A. Señoron supported by another team led by Captain Tato S. Carpentil.
The troops recovered three improvised explosive devices (IED) which were placed in a carton. Each IED is made up of three 9-volt Eveready and three AA batteries, three electric blasting caps (improvised) each, two rounds cartage 81mm and a round cartage 60mm HE, and three mechanical timers connected to an SCR circuit.
The recovered items were brought by the EOD team to the 6th ID headquarters for proper disposition.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Southern Mindanao will also deploy its personnel to the various bus terminals in the region, at the Davao International Airport, and Sasa Wharf to ensure the smooth and safe travel of the riding public.
"We want to warn erring drivers and conductors, they will be apprehended and the proper sanctions will be meted out against them," LTFRB Administrative Officer Edgar Violan said.
A traffic rerouting scheme will also be implemented by the Traffic Management Command in the city's major cemeteries starting Saturday.
