Security forces have downsized to a total of 2,000 the number of personnel that will secure the Ms. Universe contestants in their Davao stint but arrangements deployed during the ASEAN meeting will remain in place.
“We are downsizing the number of personnel but not the security measures,” said PSI Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City police office.
P/Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna said at least 20 Ms. Universe are expected to hit town today6 (January 19).
Security forces mobilized more than 4,000 military and police personnel to provide security to the launching of the ASEAN chairmanship meeting in Davao City last week.
Both lady officers said security measures have been readied to ensure the safety of the contestants en route from the airport, at the venue (SM-X Lanang), at the billeting areas, and the Eden Garden where they are expected to visit.
The lady officers were joined by Maj. Ezra Balagtey of the Eastern Mindanao Command and Capt. Ryan Batchar of the 10th Infantry Division, both of the Philippine Army in updating the AFP-PNP press corps on the peace and order situation.
The two military officers cited the accomplishments of their units in coping with insurgency, and on the war against terror and drugs.
Dela Cerna said the contestants will be cordoned where and whenever they go to prevent the public from mingling with them.
The lady police officer appealed to the public and to Davao City residents to cooperate in clearing the streets, notably the national highways, of obstruction to ensure smooth and disciplined traffic during the duration of the Ms. Universe contestants visit.
She said vehicle owners have been advised not to park their cars along the main thoroughfares.
“The road-clearing will spare no one to ensure traffic is smooth,” she added.
Dela Rey appealed to Dabawenyos to cooperate in clearing the major thoroughfares from illegal structures and illegal parking of vehicles not only during the duration of the Ms. Universe contestants’ visit but for the whole year.
“Sooner it become a second nature for us in helping maintain order and discipline in the streets,” she added.
The Police Regional Office had earlier expressed elation that security measures set up for the ASEAN 2017 Chairmanship launching held out successfully without even a minor slip.
The PRO said no untoward incident occurred the launching of the Philippine Chairmanship for ASEAN 2017.
