Security intensified for Davao City’s Kadayawan

DAVAO CITY — The military-led Task Force Davao has put in place the necessary security measures in this southern metropolis to ensure the safety of tourists witnessing the culminating events of the annual Kadayawan Festival this weekend.

"We have been working round-the-clock on a security plan to make sure no untoward incidents would happen while Davao City celebrates Kadayawan. There has been no let-up in our operations here," said Maj. Orlando Suarez, executive officer of Task Force Davao.

Suarez said the security plan has been constantly revised in the light of new intelligence information from the police and the military.

"We revise the security plan based on what we think would be best for the situation and the feedback we get from the field," he said.

Suarez said security personnel have conducted rehearsals of the security plan for the Indak-Indak sa Dalan and the floral float parade tomorrow and Sunday, respectively.

The Kadayawan Festival is expected to lure thousands of foreign and domestic tourists as it showcases the culture and tradition of the various ethnic tribes not only in the city but all around Mindanao.

Security has been a major concern in this year’s festival, particularly after the city was struck by twin bombings that left 39 people dead and over 200 others wounded last March and April.

"The military troops and our police forces have been assigned their positions and they have their respective lookouts as part of our security preparations. We have already looked over those details," said Chief Superintendent Isidro Lapeña, Southern Mindanao police director.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has placed the city on a "yellow alert" status, urging the residents to be extra-vigilant during the festival.