25,000 gather for VP-elect’s inauguration

THE Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) said the inauguration ceremony of outgoing Davao City Mayor and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte on Sunday, June 19, attracted around 25,000 people and had been "peaceful" overall.

PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay said on Monday, June 20 that the security cluster has not recorded any "significant incident" which had disrupted the conduct of the historical event.

Sumagaysay attributed the event’s success to the 4,200 security personnel that were all driven to work in keeping public order and security during the ceremony.

"Very peaceful, and I would like to thank everybody na nag-support, 'yung community, security cluster, and sa City GHovernment na grabe ang supporter," Sumagaysay said.

In terms of crowd estimate, he said they expected only around 20,000 attending the event.

But he noted that the figure exceeded as some of the areas intended for the media, especially for the OB Vans, were occupied by the attendees.

Sumagaysay said the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) and the Davao City Central 911 reported two cases of individuals fainting due to heat exhaustion. They quickly recovered after immediately being given aid.

The oath taking was attended by local and national lawmakers, foreign ambassadors, and various Filipino artists. Also in attendance were the first family, led by President Rodrigo Duterte, and President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

According to the Davao City Information Office, over 600 high-profile guests were present during the inauguration.