SOME 500 troops were deployed by the Task Force Davao (TFD) to secure the peaceful and safe observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in 19 cemeteries in downtown Davao City.
TFD commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin said they will augment forces of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) who are tasked to secure the inner part of the city.
"We already have deployed our contingent for area security in 19 cemeteries in downtown Davao City. Inner security will be the DCPO personnel while TFD will be in strategic areas outside private and public cemeteries," Mempin said.
He added that they also increased strength in areas of convergence such as in Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Sasa wharf, Lasang, Lacson and Sirawan Detachments together with other law enforcement office.
"We are closely coordinating with other security forces to ensure safety of all people in Davao both residents and visitors," he said.
With all the challenges that the city is currently facing, they are now upbeat in seeing to it that there will be no untoward incident during the observation of Undas.
"[The] challenge is how we can efficiently secure the cemeteries so we are really supervising our troops deployed and intensify collaboration with other security forces," he said.
He reminded the public to be alert and exercise cautions when visiting the grave of their departed love ones and immediately report to authorities when they notice suspicious activities and personalities lurking in their area.
"The public should remain vigilant and cautious when they are in public and crowded places. Anything suspicious should be reported immediately to proper authorities for appropriate response or validation," he said.