Sara challenges new TF Davao chief: 'Create your own legacy'


DAVAO CITY - City Mayor Sara Duterte challenged the newly-assumed commander of Task Force (TF) Davao to ensure that no bombing or terrorism incident will happen in Davao under his watch.

“You have big shoes to fill," Duterte told Col. Darren Comia, the new head of the TF Davao during the change of command held here on Tuesday, July 6.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Task Force Davao head, Col. Darren Comia. (Photo courtesy of the City Government of Davao)

"One, walang mangyaring terrorism incident, number two, kailangan mong ituloy ang legacy ni Col. Yecla on the culture of security, and number three, kailangan mong gumawa ng sarili mong legacy to contribute to the security of Davao city (First, there should be no terrorism incident, second, you need to continue the legacy of Col. Yecla on the Culture of Security program, and third, you need to create your own legacy that will contribute to the security of Davao),” Duterte said.

She assured, however, that the city supports Comia's leadership.

“We are off to a good start, number one, I heard discipline, so check na tayo, doon, (so we approved on that) number two I heard the word excellence, alam na namin taga-Davao ang i-expect sa iyo (we in Davao City now know what to expect from you) starting with discipline and excellence," she added.

Comia previously served Davao as 16th Infantry Battalion Commander in the Paquibato district. He replaced Col. Consolito P. Yecla, who will be the new commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade. Yecla served as the TF Davao Commander from 2019 to 2021.

Duterte expressed her gratitude to Yecla for his service and successful culture of security campaign, the “Kapag May Nakita, Dapat Magsalita” which the latter initiated.

The ceremony was attended by BGen. Nolasco A. Mempin of the 10ID, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Col. Kirby John Kraft, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) chief Ret.Col. Angel Sumagaysay, and other military and police officials.