The provincial government center of Davao del Norte is still easy to get into, in spite of the tight security measures being implemented at the Capitol.
Provincial administrator Rufo Peligro assured the general public that the strict security procedure does not intend to alienate the government from the general public and making it unfriendly to the masses.
Contrary to some reports claiming the Capitol is no longer accessible to ordinary people, Peligro made it clear the center is still dedicated to being as accessible and accommodating as possible to workers, guests, visitors and the common people.
The misconception started when news about Memorandum Circular No. 003 issued by Governor Rodolfo del Rosario came out in the media.
The memo laid down the details of the new security policies and procedures within the Capitol premises which is now being enforced by a private security firm hired by the province.
Peligro explained the ‘No ID, No Entry’ policy has become a catch phrase meant to remind everyone, especially Capitol personnel, of the tight security being implemented by the government.
The governor’s memo provided that all government officials and employees must wear their official identification cards upon entering the compound so that they will not be subjected to thorough checking.
Clients and visitors are further required to wear their visitor’s ID which is issued by the blue guards on duty after the former have properly identified themselves. They will also be subjected to a thorough security check before being allowed to access the premises.
However, Peligro clarified that if, for some reason, a client fails to bring along with him or her a proper ID, that individual is not barred from entering the Capitol.
He explained the guards will only ask for the name, address, and purpose of the visit, among other necessary information, for record purposes, before the client is allowed entry after being frisked.
Also, with regard to the issuance of gate pass stickers or cards to both government and private vehicles and motorcycles entering the vicinity, Peligro said it meant to facilitate the easy access of provincial officials, employees and the transacting public. Furthermore, vehicles bearing gate pass stickers are not subjected to strict inspection while without stickers shall be issued access cards and subjected to inspection before being allowed entry.
Despite the tough security, provincial general services officer Sammy Sanchez said they would find a way to make it easier for regular visitors while journalists may wear their respective media IDs for entry, but they should first register their names at the guard’s desk in order to be assigned a particular ID number for easier access to offices the next time they visit the center. So far, six journalists have already registered their names.
The governor imposed tight security at the Capitol for obvious reasons. “We cannot really take things for granted,” he said. [Noel Baguio]
