Duterte orders strict security for Palaro

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered all forces assigned to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2015 in Tagum City on May 4 to 10 to strictly enforce security measures to ensure the safety of the participants.
In a short press briefing yesterday before the special Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting at Davao del Norte Provincial Capitol, Duterte said he ordered the police and military forces in his capacity as RPOC chair to blanket Davao del Norte, especially the billeting and event areas of the weeklong event.
 Duterte said he will allow checkpoints in some part of Davao del Norte and asked the motorist to follow what the security forces order them during the checkpoint.
He reiterated, however, that the military and police should follow protocols and not violate human rights at the checkpoints.
Duterte said he will take full responsibility for the security forces’ conduct.
For its part, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said his men will augment the security force of the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office during the games.
 In an interview yesterday at the Davao del Norte Provincial Capitol, Danao said the DCPO will allocate around 30 personnel from different police stations in the city.
Danao said at least three police officers from each station will be sent to secure some venues of the annual national sporting event.
“Every sporting event in this Palarong Pambansa has different venues. That is why we really need to augment (the provincial police force),” he said.
Danao said the augmentation force will be deployed in Tagum City by next week.
Danao said aside from providing security augmentation, the DCPO will also provide tight security in Davao City since majority of the delegates from Luzon and the Visayas will pass through the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.
“Definitely, Davao City will have a huge participation in the security,” he said.
He said the DCPO will also implement strict checkpoints going to Davao del Norte to ensure the safety of the delegates during the weeklong event.