DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) Director Alexander Tagum on Monday, February 18, clarified that the “No Backpack policy” being imposed in churches will not be implemented at the Roxas Night Market.
Though the Roxas Night Market may be a target for bombings, Tagum said implementing the policy will not be possible because of the number of people going to the market.
Unlike in churches, it will not be an easy task to check all the visitor's bags.
The stricter security measure was developed after the twin bombing incidents at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last January 27. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the ban on backpacks in churches and other places of worship.
Tagum would also like to develop a culture where people going to places of worhsip will get used on bringing only small purses and wallets.
“There will always be the threat of bombing. We are encouraging the people to help us limit the opportunity of terrorists to infiltrate a bomb into our city,” he said.
Tagum said the "No backpack policy" will be implemented until they deem the security situation safe to lift it.
“The 'No Backpack policy' will still be implemented as long as there is still a terrorist threat existing in our area which I believe would be up to the future generation,” he added.
Tagum advised the public that they need to adapt with the current security policy because of the recent terrorist bombings in Mindanao. (Erika B. Ramos, UM Intern)