Davao City’s security tightened

by Anthony S. Allada
Davao City authorities have tightened security measures following explosions in the cities of Iligan and Tacurong.
Lt. Col. Jerry Besana, spokesperson and executive officer of Task Force Davao, said that since the start of the Pasko Fiesta celebration on December 7, they have been in a heightened alert status to protect revellers from any possible terrorist attack.
“But this time, we have additional forces coming from those sent to help in the rescue and retrieval operations in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental” Besana said in an interview Thursday morning by mobile phone.
He said members of the Army’s Explosive and Ordnance Division together with K-9 dogs have been doing the rounds in areas of convergence around the clock to prevent bombing attempts.
TFD is closely working with the Davao City Police Office and the Police Regional Office 11 in securing the city from lawless elements and terrorists.
Last Christmas Eve, an explosion damaged the Negra Lodging House in Palao village, Iligan City. No one was hurt.
On Wednesday night, three people were injured in a bomb explosion at a section of the commercial district in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province. (see related story in page2).
The improvised bomb exploded at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday by the roadside in front of a Western Union outlet and the Fit Mart department store in the city’s downtown area.
The scene of explosion was a few meters from the city’s main rotunda and a waiting area for passengers of public utility vehicles.