DAVAO CITY – Security forces in Davao City are set to stage a simulation exercise (SIMEX) at the Davao Gulf to test the capability of the air force and maritime units of the government to capture terrorists during an attack.
Col. Darren Comia, commander of the Task Force Davao, said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that there will be a simulation of a terror attack at the gulf area to see how the security forces will work together to respond to the situation to protect the city from harm.
He said they have yet to finalize the details of the SIMEX but added the schedule has been tentatively set for this week or next week.
Comia said the security cluster hopes to check the vulnerability of the porous Davao Gulf.
“Magkakaroon ng papasabog sa coastal ng Davao City and they (terrorists) will utilize Davao Gulf as their egress. Dito natin makikita ang joint capability and jointness of air force and maritime units on how to interdict itong ganitong mga terorista (There will be an explosion at the coast of Davao City and the terrorists will utilize the Davao Gulf as their egress. Through this, we can see the joint capability and jointness of our air force and maritime units on how to interdict these terrorists),” he said.
He said several air assets and maritime assets would be deployed during the SIMEX.
He said the various security agencies would participate in the “Oplan Jellyfish” established to secure the gulf by activating an integrated response to a terror attack by blocking all its exit and entry points.
Participating in the “Oplan Jellyfish” are police, coast guard, navy, and military, he said.
He said the SIMEX is conducted as part of the mandate under Executive Order 62 issued by Mayor Sara Duterte on November 2, 2021, an “order adopting the integrated response on terrorism plan of Task Force Davao and Activating the Joint Security Forces Cluster in the event of terror attacks.”
“Davao City has been a target of terrorist attacks since the 1980s with the most common targets being easily accessible and highly-populated convergence areas such as commercial establishments and religious venues,” the order reads.
Under the EO 62, the TF Davao assumes the lead role in securing the incident area to facilitate the evacuation of casualties, conducting hot pursuit, and preventing the escalation of the incident.
Comia urged Dabawenyos to foster the “culture of security” to help them quell terrorist attacks by voluntarily submitting themselves to the inspection of security forces and immediately reporting to the Davao City Police Office, TF Davao, or Central 911 any suspicious “bags” left unattended.