Staging of Ironman generally peaceful

The second staging of Alveo Ironman 70.3 yesterday at Azuela Cove, Davao City has been generally peaceful and successful with the deployment of more than 7,000 ground uniformed personnel.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 earlier reported that there would be a total of 7,228 uniformed personnel which would be deployed throughout the race route coming from their office, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Auxiliary Police and Central 911.

They had joined forces to ensure the safety and security of the participants.

“Masasabi natim na very challenging ang pag-conduct ng Ironman triathlon competition sa Davao City considering that this is an international event and this is one of those events that can easily draw terrorist attention kasi alam nila na makaka-generate sila ng international attention kung guguluhin nila ito. That’s why makikita natin na doble-doble ang ating deployment ng security personnel,” Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Alexander Tagum said in an interview yesterday at The Tent in Azuela Cove.

Task Force Davao (TFD) commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin also affirmed the peaceful and orderly staging of Alveo Ironman 70.3 in Davao City. There were around 400 troops including TFD personnel, reservist, and augmentation from the 10th Infantry Division (ID) who were deployed yesterday.

The security forces had likewise enforced an improved security measure with the installment of walk-in metal detector and x-ray scanner which gave both the troops and visitors convenience during the inspection to prevent the entry of banned items.

Mempin said that the new equipment was provided by the City Government of Davao through the initiative of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. It was actually intended for the border control that will be constructed in Lanang. He added that there are four walk through metal detectors and three baggage scanners that recently arrived.

For her part, Davao City Tourism Operation Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson recognized the contribution of the security sector in making sure the safe staging of the triathlon.