DAVAO City Task Force (TF-Davao) to heighten security in the city’s borders following the bombing incident in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on April 17, 2023.
“We immediately directed all our border control points to intensify security checks sa lahat ng pumapasok ng Davao City, tao, bagay na dala-dala nila (to all people going inside Davao City, either people, things they have brought),” Col. Darren Comia, TF-Davao head, said in an interview with SunStar Davao on April 17, 2023.
“Including mga sasakyan, ‘yong bus, and public utility van (vehicles whether bus and public utility van),” he added.
He said they have also deployed forces for visibility patrols in all strategic areas and convergence areas within the city, which includes the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), and sea ports.
“In effect, we are on heightened alert para at least ma-prevent natin ang mga hindi kanais-nais na pangyayari dito sa Davao City (to prevent untowards incidents in the city),” Comia said.
In a separate interview, Davao City Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay, said they have already coordinated with the security clusters in the city to ensure the safety of Dabawenyos.
“Nothing to worry about, in place atoang (our) security,” Sumagaysay said.
He added that the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has also implemented its Davao Defense System (DDS).
Sumagaysay reminded Dabawenyos that the only loading and unloading point is at the DCOTT.
He added that people should stay vigilant and report any suspicious people, and activities to authorities.
On April 17, according to local news outlets, a bus parked at the public terminal of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat was bombed and wounded seven persons.
Reports said with the initial investigation conducted by the Police Regional Office Region 12 that an improvised explosive device was used and exploded inside the double-decker bus. KSD