DCPO: Stricter security, no backpacks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will implement strict security measures in the city to secure the activities of the 79th Araw ng Davao which will culminate with tomorrow’s traditional Parada Dabawenyo.
“We will double the alert,” DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said in an interview yesterday.
As in past celebrations, Danao said he is urging the public to refrain from bringing backpacks, covered canisters and canned drinks during the major events especially during the civic parade tomorrow to ensure the safety of all people in the area.
“I ask the cooperation of everyone especially on dos and don’ts during the celebration,” he said.
He said the DCPO will also implement stop, frisk and inspect method during the even once the police will note a suspicious person.
Danao explained the prohibition of the carrying of backpacks is being implemented in the events because it has many compartments that will consume more time on the part of the police during inspection.
“I advise you to just bring a bag that is easy to inspect and see the things inside the bag,” he said.
Danao also explained to the people that once a person will be inspected it does not mean that they are already suspects because it is just a routinary inspection to assure the safety of the public against criminality and terrorism.
He said there will be random checkpoints in different parts of the city.
Earlier, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said there will be 1,500 DCPO police and 800 barangay peace and order unit (BPOU) who will be deployed during the celebration.
Driz said the police will concentrate on the entrance and exit point of the city by mounting random checkpoints to ensure that the celebration will not be infiltrated with any terrorist people.