‘Hold and secure’

Mayor issues Martial Law guidelines for the city

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that through the hold and secure situation, they aim to prevent violence from escalating outside Davao City.

Duterte-Carpio yesterday revoked her previous declaration of locking down the city and instead used the hold and secure method more than 12 hours after President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao.

“We are doing increased security measures going inside and outside Davao City considering that there are incidents

city,” she said. These incidents include the attacks of Maute group in Marawi which caused many residents in the area to evacuate.

Following these reports, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law for Mindanao.

Duterte-Carpio yesterday issued guidelines for Dabawenyos to follow while they are still waiting for the official guidelines from AFP and government, adding that they are willing to adjust the guidelines initially issued to the one issued by the President.

“We will add parameters that the AFP and President Duterte will release. These guidelines, if meron silang mailabas na guidelines that will became a law, there are arrests that will be made,” he said.

In the general guidelines, Dabawenyos are encouraged to call 911 to report suspicious looking persons, materials and actions by group of persons and each person is also encourage to exercise prudence in planning their activities.

“Travel to and from Davao City is discouraged, as well as [in] other places in Mindanao unless there is an urgent matter that needs to be attended to,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“Do not leave your residence if you have no business or matters to attend outside,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio said Dabawenyos should avoid crowded places and practice of religious activities especially for Muslims observing Ramadan are encouraged to be done inside the mosques and residences.

Rallies and large group activities should have permits from the local government.

Duterte-Carpio said motorists and drivers must have updated registration papers and drivers’ licenses. Those who own guns must also show valid and existing licenses such as the License to Own and Posses Firearm (LTOPF) and Permit to Carry (PTC) firearms.

Duterte-Carpio ordered citizens to cooperate with the Armed forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in conducting checkpoint operations. This can be done through turning off their headlights and by turning on their overhead lights during inspection.

“Kung wala naman kayong tinatago, huwag ninyong pahirapan pa, kung meron kayong tinatago huwag na kayong lumabas ng bahay ninyo. Always bring an indentification document,” she said.

As for luggage and baggage, Duterte-Carpio encouraged passengers to familiarize the contents of their baggage and she strictly advised that passengers should not accept baggage from strangers. Minors and evenings While Duterte-Carpio did not give specific time for the curfew of minors, she said that minors are extremely discouraged to go out of their residences except when accompanied by adults.

Going late at night and consuming excessive alcohol is also discouraged.

“Buddy system is encouraged to those who work at night especially during travel to and from work. Ang suggestion namin magpahatid kayo or magpasundo kayo ng kasama niyo sa bahay or relative ninyo papunta at pauwi,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio said the conduct of personal activities must be done in daytime and loitering in all areas is discouraged.

The city mayor underscored that Dabawenyos should not leave bags and vehicles unattended for a long time.

Retaining large sums of money in residences is also discouraged.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio also required schools and business establishments to create emergency plans for their respective premises.

Business establishments and schools are encouraged to invest in private security, modern security equipment and fire extinguishing equipment.KVC(For full story visit www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/)