COLONEL Erwin Bernard Neri served Davao City for close to 12 months now. He was designated in the position six days after the Roxas Night Market bombing erupted that killed 15 people and injured 69 others.
Since then, Neri said in his speech that he did not want that terrorist incident to happen under his term.
Neri added that it was a challenging journey as he assumed the post last year, considering that Davao City is enjoying the fast growing economy with high level of threat because it is the alternate seat of the government.
"My whole term felt like riding in a bicycle, passing roads with turns and bumps but nevertheless, I enjoyed the bumpy ride and it was fulfilling," he said.
During his term as commander of Task Force Davao (TFD), he implemented operational approach and strategy with two main objectives which are to increase the level of awareness of the public on terrorism and raise the level of preparedness and responsiveness of the unit to combat terrorism.
"I can proudly say now that we have significantly attained these goals and Task Force Davao has become more effective and efficient unit in the performance of its mandate," he said.
Under his watch, he handled and successfully secured the safety of several local and international events in the city such as the Miss Universe, Miss Earth, visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Association of Southeast Asian Nation chairmanship launching, Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan Festival, among others.
The stringent measures against terrorism of the unit also led to the arrest of rebels Cayamora Maute, the patriarch of Maute terrorist group, seizure of illegal drugs and several firearms at the checkpoint and response in unattended baggage.
He attributed the success of his term, which resulted to the zero-terrorist incidents, to various stakeholders in the city including the support of the City Government, public and other law enforcement units.
Neri now assumed as the commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in Maco, Compostela Valley.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio rated the performance of Neri a perfect 10 because he was able to successfully secure the city against terrorist act and strongly build measures for anti and counter-terrorism effort, which made the city a livable place and hub to do business.
She also considers Colonel Neri as the closest TFD commander to her heart and thanked him for his effort in giving the public a sense of security.
The mayor assured to continue supporting the plans and programs of TFD under the new commander to achieve its goal to keep the city peaceful. She encouraged Memfin to do his job and not to disappoint the Dabawenyos. (JCR)