AUTHORITIES are now beefing up security measures in preparation for the arrival of Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the launching of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung shipping route in Davao City on Sunday, April 30.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Public Information Officer (PIO) Major Ezra Balagtey on Wednesday said they will give their full support to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) especially in monitoring the land, naval, and air security component through their Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon.
“The Eastmincom has Joint Task Force Haribon that integrates all the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here in the area,” he said.
The local authorities are in close coordination with the PSG who is the lead agency to secure the visit of Widodo in the City.
The launching of the roll-on roll-off (Roro) shipping route will be held at Kudos Port in Sasa, Davao City.
DCPO Traffic Group Chief Superintendent Ernesto Castillo said that there would be no rerouting during the Indonesian’s head arrival.
He, however, said that an intensified road clearing will be implemented to secure the smooth flow of traffic.
Castillo added that 65 traffic police and 30 manpower augmentations from the City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO) will be deployed on Sunday.
A towing vehicle will be mobilized to clear the road and impound illegally parked vehicles in prohibited places.
DCPO Spokesperson Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Ma. Teresita Gaspan said that they will deploy all their forces and assign several police personnel during the arrival and inauguration along Sasa area.
There will also be random checkpoints within the city as well as full swing of security plan implementation in different areas to prevent untoward incidents during the state visit.
Widodo is the second head of the state to visit the city. Last January, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Davao City and joined President Rodrigo Duterte for breakfast in the president's home in a subdivision in Matina.
The combined efforts of the law enforcement agency led to the successful visit of Japan’s top diplomat.