SECURITY forces in Davao City said they are all set for the second staging of Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao on Sunday, March 24, where 2,200 participants from 38 countries including host Philippines are expected to join.
In a press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel Wednesday, March 20, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan said there was a final coordinating conference conducted at the Davao Police Regional Office (PRO 11) headquarters with the security forces and organizers to ensure the safe and successful staging of the activity.
Some 3,200 security personnel composed of police, Task Force Davao (TFD), and other force multipliers will be deployed on race day.
Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao will start with a 1.9 kilometer swim at Azuela cove followed by a 90-kilometer bicycle race from Azuela Cove, Lanang to Tagum City then back to Davao City. The 21-kilometer run from Azuela Cove to corner Torres St., J.P Laurel Avenue will then follow.
Professional triathletes here and abroad as well celebrities are also competing.
“There will be a three-layer security blanket that will compose of police presence natin sa lahat ng areas, we have intensified our intel-driven operation and of course naka-establish lahat ng police assistance desk natin,” Gaspan said.
DCPO will also implement a strategic deployment of road security and safety marshalls in major thoroughfares and public safety forces in security control points.
DCPO also assured no suspension of enforcement of laws and ordinances in Davao City.
“We have strengthened our security at the race course from swim, bike to run events so ‘yong three - third layer natin yon ‘yong internal, external at tsaka ‘yong covert na security,” she added.
Some 60 tourist cops were likewise assigned to secure eight identified hotels where the participants will be staying.
“All set, we are ready and the whole security forces are ready,” Gaspan said.
PRO 11 also provided additional forces to augment the existing security in Davao City. There will also be augmentation from different provinces at the same time coming from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 11,
Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) from the region being deployed in the city.
“Prior sa Ironman merong series of events like Ironkids and Iron Girl, as stated earlier merong coordinating conference na yon sa Police Regional Office headed by deputy regional director for operation,” PRO 11 spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Jason Baria said.
During the conference, all units were advised to report for their security preparations for the upcoming big event here especially in the airport, convoy, billeting, traffic, maritime, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).