Davao City remains on red alert

DAVAO CITY — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Davao City remains on red alert even as the Holy Week passed with no untoward incident.

"All the security measures we have put in place will continue to be implemented," Duterte said. "The fight against terrorism is not dependent on our religious rituals. The danger is clear and still existing, so we continue with our vigilance and with our security operation."

Duterte explained that more than 2,000 military and police personnel have been deployed to various areas in the city considered prone to terrorist attacks such as churches.

The mayor has also implemented stringent security measures at the Davao International Airport and Sasa Wharf.

"We already have the highest alert level. So, the problem is not how to improve security measures but the sustainability of the whole operation under a red alert status," he said.

Duterte said that they have to find a way for the soldiers’ and policemen’s duty hours to be manageable in such a way that they could get rest and still be very effective. — Edith Regalado