DCPO: Tourist cops to guard key places

authorities have been intensifying their security monitoring in beaches and other tourist destinations to ensure that lawless armed groups are kept away and the tourist are protected.

“We are in closed coordination with our Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) and Central 911 to ensure the maximum deployment of life guards and responders in all tourist destinations,” said Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) city director, told Sun.Star Davao.

This statement came in the wake of an hour-long armed encounter between the government troops in Cateel, Davao Oriental, last Sunday dawn, and a report that three beachgoers, including one-yearold child, were drowned in a popular beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

“We will deploy Davao

City Tourist Police to ensure their security and safety,” he said, adding that the police will always be on heightened alert to maintain the peace and order which is one of the deciding factors of tourist when traveling a place.

He urged the vacationers to immediately report to the authorities if they observe suspicious activities or untoward incidents in their area so they could promptly provide action.

Likewise, DCPO spokesperson Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Ma. Teresita Gaspan said that aside from beaches and tourist spots, they are also strengthening their police visibility in areas of convergence including bus terminals, airports and seaports to give no chance for potential threats to penetrate.

They have also designated assistance desk or static stations for the public to easily seek for assistance and for quick response to disaster of accidents on top of the massive deployment of foot patrol. JCR