DAVAO CITY – Security forces are all set for the inauguration and oath-taking of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte at the San Pedro Square here Sunday, June 19.
Public Safety and Security Commander Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay said security forces have been assigned and briefed of their respective functions for the gathering.
The PSSCC, with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force Davao (TFD), and Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 (Davao Region), among other security forces, declared that they are all set for the undertaking.
“After a series of coordinating conferences with security clusters in and out of the Davao Region, we are ready to implement the security and safety plan for this Sunday’s event,” Sumagaysay said.
PRO-11 director Police Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr. said that the three regions surrounding Davao Region are cooperating in the security efforts, particularly border control measures.
Silo said a five-day gun ban from June 16 to 21 has been implemented here and Davao Region. He added that strict regional border checkpoints are being conducted.
“There will be four regions participating in this undertaking – Regions 11, 10, 12, and 13. All the Davao provincial police offices will also follow the same security measures for the city,” Silo said.
DCPO head Police Col. Alberto Lupaz said that a series of run-through and simulation of personnel deployment at the San Pedro Square will be held before the event.
“The Davao City Police Office is ready, but of course, the nitty-gritty and the raining down of personnel on the ground ay sa amin (is on us). Overall, our security operations are already set,” Lupaz said.
Lupaz said that more than 4,000 security personnel are deployed in the city during the event. He reminded the public, particularly the attendees, to follow the city ordinance for security.
Sumagaysay said city ordinances on security and safety will be implemented at all times. This means backpacks, pointed objects, non-transparent bottled water, and jackets are not allowed.
Alcoholic drinks and drones are also prohibited, he said, adding that four entrances to the event will be open to the public and that security officers are monitoring the crowd.