EVEN without direct terror threats in Davao region, the Police Regional Office (PRO-11) is not discounting any possibilities, thus security measures are being beefed up especially with the upcoming summer season.
PRO 11 Regional Director Marcelo C. Morales reminded anew all police units in the region to secure vital installations and implement tight security measures in relation to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP’s) campaign dubbed as Ligtas SUMVAC 2019, considering that various occasions such as Holy Week, town fiestas, Flores de Mayo and other related activities until the end of May.
“Such events are expected to generate numerous commuters and tourists who will travel to their respective provinces and tourist destinations and these may cause peace and order concerns including traffic congestion, accidents and other crimes. Criminal elements may take advantage of people converging in places such as beach and other tourist destinations for relaxation and recreation,” Police Brigadier General Morales said.
Morales assured that police presence will be intensified through increased foot/mobile patrols, establish Police Assistance Desks/Centers (PADs/Cs) and deployment of road safety marshalls in convergence points particularly in Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), seaport in Sasa, other recreational areas including highways, main thoroughfares and crime-prone areas to ensure maximum police presence to prevent unscrupulous individuals from doing illegal activities.
“As of now, there have been no validated reports of terrorist threats in Davao City while security forces and the intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs,” he said.
Meantime, their focus on manhunt operations against wanted persons, intelligence driven operations against criminal gangs and suspected threat groups, and service of warrants on loose firearms will remain as stipulated in the Enhanced Managing Police Operations especially that the midterm elections is fast approaching.
"We already have maximum personnel deployed on the streets, and we have also utilized the Police Riders' Response Team in Davao City to safeguard our communities against criminal elements especially on the narrow streets. We also assure the public that sufficient units are on standby, ready to respond to any situation and act on contingencies,” Morales added.