DESPITE the minor incidents reported during the celebration of Christmas and New Year, security forces said the festivities were generally peaceful in Davao region.
During the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday, January 2, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Police Regional Office Davao (PRO-11) Regional Director Marcelo Morales said that with the implementation of Security and Safety Plan: Ligtas Paskuhan 2018 and enforcement of the President’s Memorandum Orders 28 and 31, the holidays were generally safe and peaceful for Dabawenyos.
“Our general assessment natin sa nakalipas na Christmas season and New Year’s celebration ay peaceful at wala tayong recorded na major incident,” Morales said.
However, the authorities did note some minor incidents like illegal discharge of firearms, stray bullets, and armed encounters
In Davao del Norte, they noted a stray bullet incident but he said that there was no casualty and investigation was ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
A member of the military is facing charges for physical injury and violation of Republic Act 12591 after he drew his firearm during a commotion. He was later arrested.
On the other hand, newly-installed 10th Infantry Division (ID) commander Brigadier General Jose Faustino Jr. said in the rural areas of Davao Region, they also noted four encounters with the members of the communist group who tried to convene for a celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP’s) 50th anniversary last December 26. The army noted that the celebration of the group's anniversary was generally peaceful.
Faustino said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not declare any ceasefire because it would only be taken advantage by the rebel group.
“We went on the offensive during Christmas and New Year and we were able to preempt some of the plans of celebration ng anniversary and yong mga extortion and some of the usual things that these NPAs are doing,” Faustino added.
Meanwhile, Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, deputy commander of Task Force Davao, added that with the concerted efforts of the different law enforcement agencies, they were able to secure all the activities in line with the Pasko Fiesta 2018 celebration and Torotot Festival 2018.