THE Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) confirmed that current safety and security protocols in Davao City will remain unchanged for the upcoming 2025 Kadayawan Festival.
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay said he has coordinated with the safety and security cluster, as well as Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta, chair of the Peace and Public Safety Committee, and confirmed that no adjustments will be made.
“Kung unsa tung gina-practice nato as protocols wala tay bag-uhon, magpabilin na ang mga backpack ginabawal pero call sa security kung halimbawa sa tan-aw niya na kana nga bag pwede isulod sa tan-aw niya (Whatever protocols we’ve been practicing will stay. Backpacks remain prohibited, but it’s up to the discretion of security personnel if a particular bag can be allowed),” Sumagaysay said during a July 29 interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
Calls to revise the policy followed after a viral social media post from a mother, Hanna Cano, who said she was denied entry to the Rio Carnival at Davao Coastal Road because of a backpack carrying her child’s essentials.
Sumagaysay underscored the importance of strict security to maintain public safety. He also shared that their office has coordinated with hotel and lodging operators in the city, inviting them to attend security briefings as part of Kadayawan preparations. A separate security forum for the transportation sector has already been conducted.
He assured the public that Davao City has not received any credible security threats and remains insurgency-free.
Earlier, PSSO announced that around 14,000 personnel will be deployed throughout the Kadayawan Festival, with about 600 on daily rotation.
The PSSO reminded the public that backpacks, hats, caps, jackets, pointed umbrellas, and non-transparent water bottles are strictly prohibited and may be confiscated. Festivalgoers are encouraged to maintain a “culture of security” and report any suspicious activity to authorities. RGP