Araw measures to continue during Lenten, elections

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has declared the Araw ng Davao celebration marking the 79th founding anniversary as generally peaceful.
DCPO director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. told EDGE Davao yesterday that there were no major incidents that occurred in the city during the weeklong celebration.
“We have not received any serious threats,” Danao said.
Danao said the DCPO found the strict implementation of prohibiting backpacks, covered canisters and canned drinks in the major activities as effective measures which contributed to the peaceful celebration of the city.
Around 1,500 DCPO police officers and 800 barangay peace and order unit (BPOU) members were deployed during the celebration.
After the celebration of the Araw ng Davao, he said, the tight security measures in the city will continue up to the May 9 national and local elections.
Danao said the DCPO will still implement random checkpoints in different parts of the city.
“I am still asking the people to please cooperate with the checkpoints to avoid any inconvenience,” he said.
Danao said prohibiting backpacks, covered canisters and canned drinks will also be banned in major activities of the Catholic churches next week in the observance of Holy Week.