Police, military ensure peaceful 'Araw' celebration
VISIBILITY and monitoring will be the top priority of Task Force Davao (TFD) as it vows to secure Tuesday’s celebration of the 73rd Araw ng Dabaw festival.
Lieutenant Arvin Pedrosa, of TFD's civil military operations, said Monday that the task force will be in full force and coordinate with the city's policemen to ensure no untoward incident will happen in the festivities.
"We will set up 17 checkpoints all over the city. These will be set up along the main roads. There will also be mobile checkpoints and random inspection," said Pedrosa, who was speaking for TFD commander Colonel Oscar Lactao.
Pedrosa said TFD is assigned to monitor the People's Park but will have a number of personnel deployed in key areas.
"Sa San Pedro, talagang makikita ng mga tao na mayroong mga security forces. The people will really feel na may monitoring na nangyayari," Pedrosa said.
He said security forces will be present along the parade area. "In case of emergencies, it is assured that there will be an immediate response because forces will be present nearby."
He also said elements from the 10th Infantry Division will also be deployed around the city.
Last Friday, Lactao vowed more policemen and military troops will be deployed in the city Tuesday.
"We have requested from higher headquarters augmentation troops to help us secure the city. And so far, we have the additional units helping TFD and Davao City Police Office in security operations to ensure a peaceful Araw ng Dabaw," Lactao said.
Davao City Police Office Director Rene Aspera said they have implemented a security plan since last week.
All policemen have been on duty since last week and no one is allowed to be on leave during the entire festivities. (JCZ/With AD of Sun.Star Superbalita)