DavOr police tighten security for DAVRAA meet

Source: Province of davao Oriental Facebook page

DAVAO CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPO) will implement tight security measures in the province to ensure the safety of all delegates in the upcoming Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet.

DOPPO Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Harry Espela said the province expects to host around 6,000 athletes and other delegates for the DAVRAA meet on March 19 to 24.

He said the measures police will enforce is the prohibition of carrying backpacks to the opening ceremonies at the Sports Complex and throughout the entire duration of the event at the playing venues.

Espela said they will also put up checkpoints and deploy security personnel in the streets and in the province’s borders.

“We are providing more or less 675 security personnel including those from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police,” he said.

He said these security forces are tasked to patrol the premises of the playing venues, billeting quarters, and other strategic areas within the City of Mati.

There are also intelligence teams to be deployed to monitor potential threats and illegal activities of “lawless elements.”

Espela also bared that a Multi-Agency Coordinating Center to be housed at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Center near the Mati Sports Complex will be installed. Committees for emergency response have also been set.

“Government forces are doing their very best in ramping up security measures, not only for man-made disasters but also for natural calamities,” Espela said.

He said evacuation areas have already been identified and that medical teams are on stand by, ready to respond in cases of emergencies.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, for his part, wants the security measures beefed up as the Provincial Government intends to promote the province as a premier tourism hub in the region.

“We expect huge number of guests who will be coming and one way to promote our province is by establishing a topnotch security,” he said.

Dayanghirang said the event is an opportunity to showcase the province's hospitality and unique beauty.

“It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to host an event as big as this one and we are proud and grateful and privileged to host the biggest sports event in Southern Mindanao,” Dayanghirang said.

Other measures included in the security plan is to tap Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team using K9 units, Quick Reaction Team consisting of “immediate response crew in cases of untoward incidents”, and Emergency Medical Teams from the AFP.

Coastguards to secure the coastlines will also be positioned.

In addition, security personnel are present in the province’s tourist destinations “in case delegates want to visit some of our tourist spots”. (PNA)
FPV/LCM/ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./LDP