Security beefed up as Cotabato celebrates Kalivungan Festival
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Authorities here have tightened security to ensure the safety of local tourists, visitors, and residents while they watch and participate in any activity during the Cotabato province’s Kalivungan Festival.
Senior Superintendent Maximo Layugan, provincial director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said additional troops from Police Regional Office (PRO) General Santos City and elements of the Philippine Army, including force multipliers were deployed inside and outside the province’s capitol compound at Barangay Amas, here, where most of the activities are being held.
During the 104th Cotabato’s founding celebrations and the 2018 Kalivungan Festival culmination on September 1, Layugan said the CPPO and other law enforcement units will double their security efforts since two of the country’s most powerful women – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago and Ilocos Sur Governor Imee Marcos, are expected to grace the event.
Layugan said they will not allow criminal elements to enter the province during these times of jubilation, excitement, and thanksgiving.
The powerful improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a parked motorcycle along the national highway in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday killed three individuals, including a 7-year-old girl, and wounded 36 others.
The blast happened two days before the town culminates its weeklong founding celebrations.
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Mangudadatu has announced on Wednesday that he is shelling out from his intelligence funds R 1-million reward money to those that could disclose to authorities the mastermind and his cohorts behind the deadly blast.