Davao terminal tightens security measures

WEEKS before the observance of the Holy Week, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) will be strict in its security measures as it is expecting a larger volume of passengers, going in and out of the city.

DCOTT head Aisa Usop said the terminal management and the security forces, such as the Task Force Davao (TFD) and other security personnel, will ensure the safety of the passengers during the Lenten week.

“We already had a meeting on what are the possible things to do because we are expecting again that this is another peak season,” Usop said.

She said that DCOTT is still finalizing the number of buses that they are going to deploy as 650 to 750 buses are being deployed each regular day.

“We had already informed the Task Force Davao that if they cannot accommodate passengers at the entrance anymore, they should open another lane for pregnant women, children, and persons with disability,” she said.

Usop added that vendors and stall owners inside the terminal were oriented on the security measures, especially in looking out for suspicious persons who might pose threats.

“Mahibal-an nila kay gihatagan pud sila og techniques na murag ma-sense pud nila ang tao na there is something wrong nga pagabuhaton, so kabalo na sila ana. (They would be able to determine them, since we oriented them of the techniques that would be able them to sense if this person will be doing something wrong),” Usop said.

The DCOTT head reminded all passengers to adjust with the tightened security measures for their own safety.

She also reminded the passengers not to bring forbidden items, including sharp objects such as knife.

Usop also said that passengers who will be bringing endangered species must secure a permit to carry from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (RLL with Jessa Mae Reston, Usep intern)