3,000 security personnel to secure 8,000 delegates

AROUND 3,000 members of the security, safety and emergency preparedness response component were already deployed Wednesday afternoon to provide security coverage for the week-long Davao Region Athletics Association (DAVRAA) 2019 that will start on Jan. 27.

Chief Insp. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 11, said the response component is composed of members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force Davao (TFD), Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Bureau of Fire

and Protection, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard, Central 911, Maritime Group 11, police auxiliary and other volunteers.

A send-off ceremony was held at the DCPO compound at 3 p.m. Wednesday for the contingent who will provide full-length security coverage for the DAVRAA 2019, which will officially be opened on Jan. 27 at UP Mindanao Campus in Barangay Mintal, Tugbok District

Officials who attended the ceremony included Police Regional Director Chief Supt Marcelo Morales, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) Head Benito De Leon, DCPO Director Sr. Supt Alexander Tagum, TFD Commander Col. Nolasco Mempin, Department of Education representative Janet Veloso.

Baria said the units are required to provide security to all delegates who will participate in the DAVRAA from the billeting quarters to the playing venues.

“This is to ensure a zero incident relating to the con- duct of the regional meet,” he said.

Morales, in his message, reminded all the deployed personnel to secure the venue and to ensure the safety of the participants during the competition as he pointed out that maximum protective security measures should always be applied.

“We do not yet receive any threats. However, we are already prepared for everything. That is the role that we are playing today,” Morales said.

Morales also urged the public for understanding.

“With heightened security, PRO 11 is appealing to the public for a little patience and understanding,” he said.

The police director cited that strict checkpoint will be implemented in connection with the sporting meet and the election gun ban.

Meanwhile, in AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday, DepEd spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said they are expecting around 8,000 delegates and visitors to be coming to city for the event.