135 cops per event in Pasko Fiesta

AT least 135 police officers will be deployed daily for every event during the celebration of the month-long Pasko Fiesta 2017 from December 1 to December 31, an official said.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan told reporters that they have already crafted a security plan in line with the Pasko Fiesta celebration this year as well as with the upcoming holiday season.

“From December 1 to 31 ang Pasko Fiesta at least 135 police daily will be assigned for every event because it’s a simultaneous event. When there is engagement we also have police deployed in the area,” Gaspan said.

According to her, there is also an augmentation of a company size policemen from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB 11). The police assigned in patrols are already in place to monitor the movement of the crowd such as foot patrol, bike patrol, mobile patrol, motorcycle patrol, and the static deployment along with the Task Force Davao, Volunteer Police Auxillary, and other law enforcement agencies.

“As is ang ating mga police na nakadeploy sa places of convergence. Sa mga strategic areas naka prepositioned ang atoang mobile patrol,” she said.

A maximum deployment of its personnel will also be implemented and the four teams of the Special Weapons and Tactic

(Swat) will also be deployed during the whole duration of the festivity.

On December 1, the celebration will kick off and a series of activities are lined up, which are expected to gather number of visitors. Some of these Pasko Fiesta events include the start of Pasko Fiesta carnival, a month-long amusement park for Dabawenyos; and the “Dan-ag Davao” the Official Pasko Fiesta Opening and lighting ceremony that will be held in front of the City Hall to be led by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Other events are “Parol sa Barangay,” a parol display contests in barangays at Marfori Botanical Garden; “Kahayag sa Davao,” a light up competition of establishments; “Pasko Fiesta Davao,” variety shows in 11 barangays; “Pasko Pahalipay sa Davao,” Santa Claus in Magsaysay Park and People’s Park with giveaways; and “Pasko Hulagway,” a photo contest. JCR