Security in city heightened
FOLLOWING the declaration of Martial Law, Davao City has been placed under heightened security.
Task Force Davao (TFD) commander Colonel Erwin Bernard Neri told reporters yesterday dawn at the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) after their meeting with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio that even before the declaration, Davao City is already in heightened status due to the Roxas bombing last year and after the city transformed to be the alternate seat of the government considering that this is the residence of the President.
Although there are no specific threats in the city, they’ve beefed up their security in anticipation for any retaliation activities or diversionary tactics by the rebels to divide the attention of the security forces.
Neri said they have already coordinated with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon to secure the land, naval, and air components.
Checkpoints in different entry points in Lacson, Lasang, and Sirawan were also intensified. The military has now the authority to request the drivers and passengers to disembark from their vehicles for further inspection unlike before where visual search alone is being done.
“Definitely may mga changes sa measures. Mas lalo pang i-intensify [ang security] and if there would be suspected personalities in Davao City, expected na talagang we will conduct some actions,” he said.
For his part, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) city director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said they will support the Armed Forces of the Philippine. He had already directed his 12 station commanders to conduct round-the-clock mobile checkpoint in strategic areas in Davao that are frequented by travelers coming from Cotabato, Bukidnon, Agusan, and other coastal areas.
He said it is timely that they recently launched the Oplan Iron City and deployed a total of 910 voluntary police auxiliary as force multipliers to maintain the peace and order in the city in coordination with the cops.
Implementation of curfew has not yet been discussed as they are waiting for the official order.
Police Regional Office (PRO 11) regional director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan mean- while noted that in line with the declaration, carrying of firearms will also be prohibited and only the uniformed personnel are allowed.
“This is Martial law, partly, the civil rights is temporarily suspended due to the call of the situation,” Gaerlan said. JCR
Public cooperation
With these developments, authorities urged the public to exercise vigilance and cooperate in their security protocols as it is only intended for their own welfare and protection.
They also reminded the public to think before they click links in various social media platforms and avoid sharing unverified reports that might cause unnecessary panic to other people. They also discourage them from posting the location of the military as it might preempt their security operations.
If there are suspicious activities or personalities in their communities, immediately report to the authorities, nearest police stations or Central 911 for immediate and timely response.