Like a theme out of a movie, Metro Davao’s public safety will be called ‘Oplan Iron City Reloaded.”
If at all, it will be a replication of the brainchild program hatched by Metropolitan Davao Police District (MDPD) chief BGen Alexander Tagum. Now he wants to replicate “Oplan Iron City” as public safety program for MDPD.
“Oplan Iron City” or the Oplan Integrated Revitalized Operation of Neighborhood-Watch for the Mega City (IRON City), which Tagum implemented during his term as city director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) from 2018 to 2020, is an upgraded police integrated patrol system aimed at making this city safer through the active support of empowered volunteer police auxiliaries.
“One of our public safety and security programs will be “Oplan Iron City Reloaded” which is our public safety and security peace and order plan which is the enhanced police integrated patrol system that I have implemented during my time as city director of DCPO nga nakit-an nato na very effective. I am proud to say na napa lower gyud ang criminality sa Davao Region in 2018 to 2020. We will replicate what we have done before because it is a tested and proven program na nakita natin na angkop sa Davao Region,” Tagum told the media.
Meanwhile, the MDPD was created under the provision of Republic Act No. 11708 or “an Act Creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), Defining Its Powers and Functions, and Providing Funds Therefor.”
“Kaakibat nito ay ang creation ng MDPD which was activated last December 17, 2022. After the activation of MDPD wherein said-effective Dec. 16 the office of the district director of MDPD shall be activated,” he said.
The MDPD’s duties and responsibilities include directing, commanding, and supervising the MDPD in accomplishing the responsibilities; enforce the execution of the provision of laws, decrees, general orders, instructions, executive orders, city charters, and ordinances of local applications.
“Ito po pumasok ang instruction sa akin which is to coordinate, align, and integrate all the local laws covered by MDDA and MDPD. We know for a fact that there are different ordinances governing different areas and cities. I-integrate at i-align natin yan so that there will be one law and ordinance that will be implemented in those areas. Also see, maintain peace and order and take on necessary steps to ensure public safety,” he said.
In April this year, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11708, or “An Act creating Metropolitan Davao Development Authority, with the aim of further developing the economy in the region. Metropolitan Davao covers Davao City; Panabo City, Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; and city in Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, Malita and Sta Maria in Davao Occidental.
