Oplan Iron Fortress

Security program involves homeowners, barangays, guards

DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) launched their new scheme to curb criminality dubbed as Oplan Iron Fortress (Fortification of Residences towards a Restful Environment that is Secured and Safe) yesterday during the Crime Prevention summit at Grand Men Seng Hotel.

DCPO director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said that they kicked off yesterday the first phase of their new program, which is the call to action through holding the summit. It was attended by around 600 stakeholders composed of presidents of various homeowners’ association, security officers of malls and hotels, and barangay chairmen.

Authorities acknowledged the importance of an empowered and wellinformed community in combating crime because the security forces cannot do it alone.

Aside from that, the new anti-criminality mechanism has two other parts which are the community empowerment and public awareness campaign.

Unlike their current Oplan Integrated Revitalized Operation of Neighborhood-Watch of the Mega City (Oplan IRON City) focusing on crime streets, Oplan Fortress targets exclusive residences and subdivisions which is already beyond their control.

Tagum earlier said that they will distribute initial 1,000 copies of personal home family security handbook or manual which contains contingency action checklist and tips on how to counter crimes to avoid being a victim.

Tagum said that their project proposal is up for signature by Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio but the event yesterday was approved already by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

This is an integrated approach to boost public awareness in order to weed out criminal elements and prevent them from shifting their modus to households and private residences.

Meanwhile, the participants were provided with update on security situation in the city including the crime statistics, modus of criminals and how to avoid it, list of criminals and terrorist groups, crime clock and places were crimes are prevalent.

SETH DELOS REYES SPRUCED UP. Personnel of the Davao City Water District paint the fire hydrants on R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City after these were inspected.