IN AN effort to strengthen the security measures in the entry points of Davao City, Task Force Davao (TFD) will be inspecting those wearing robe-like dresses.
Task Force Davao (TFD) commander Colonel Consolito Yecla said yesterday that they have put up a curtained cubicle, which is similar to fittings room in malls, at the Sirawan and Lacson checkpoints last September 12. On Friday, they put up a similar cubicle at the Davao City Overland Transport and Traffic Management Office (DCOTT).
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) Angel Sumagaysay said that the security measure is not only limited to the Muslim community but even to the Christians to avoid discrimination.
“Actually ginagawa na ‘yan natin during the event lalo na ‘yong event for our Muslim community sa Tiongko and Almendras. We are providing an enclosed tents para sa mga babae and of course ang mag inspect babae rin and preferably ang gi-suggest ko ‘don sa mga Muslim elders, if possible mga Muslim cops,” Sumagaysay said.
The measure has long been practice but it was just formalized this month. This was also suggested by the Muslim community during a meeting to prevent any terrorists to take advantage of their clothes to conceal IEDs in carrying out their attacks.
Earlier, TFD has likewise recommended for the city to increase the penalty for illegal parking of all vehicles, including motorcycles, in crowded places as parked vehicles are now being used to carry out bomb attacks.
This developed after another improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on September 8 in Sulu. Based on the initial investigation, a soldier of 35th Infantry Battalion noticed a female person wearing a black Hijab walking along the road of the KM3 Highway going to the Camp of Alpha Company, 35IB (PA). When she was about to enter the gate, the duty guard took cover while warning the suspect not to enter. The woman then detonated the IED, causing her body to be blown into pieces.
TFD has been campaigning for Dabawenyos to practice the culture of security for a safer and more secured Davao City.
In their campaign, they asked the public to volunteer by helping in the implementation of security measures in Davao City and voluntarily submit themselves for inspection. For motorists, they must open their cabin lights, roll down windows, and open car compartments at checkpoints.
Authorities likewise encouraged the Dabawenyos to be the "eyes and ears" of their community by reporting suspicious persons, unattended baggage, persons violating the Bomb Joke Law, and other city ordinances relating to security and reminded of them of the "No Backpack Policy" and prohibition of non-transparent water containers in selected public places.
“Be part of your community defense system by knowing the security measures being implemented and where to report safety, security, and disaster incidents,” the TFD said.