DCPO Spokesperson Police Major Maria Teresita Gaspan said in a press conference on Wednesday, June 1, that the police force is ready to beef up its security preparations for the upcoming historical inauguration of the incoming vice president.
Duterte-Carpio, outgoing city mayor, earlier announced that her oathtaking is slated for June 19 on San Pedro Street.
Gaspan said the twin bombing incident on Thursday, May 26 was a deciding factor in strengthening their security plans.
“Wala man gyud ta nag-lower sa atong guard in terms sa atong security measures. Lauman gyud, especially during sa umaabot na inauguration, lauman gyud nga perteng daghana gyud nga layer of inspection,” the spokesperson said during the Armerd Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Press Conference.
(We never lowered our guard in terms of our security measures. It is expected that in the inauguration, there would be a huge layer of inspection.)
She also said the public must cooperate with the security protocols for their safety.
In relation, Gaspan reiterated the city’s policy on the prohibition of bringing backpacks and wearing jackets within the venue perimeter.
Meanwhile, she said they are already preparing the security plan, particularly on the number of security personnel to be deployed at the venue.
“On the part of Davao City Police Office, mu-align mi sa ilang required nila na personnel ug unsay angay buhaton para sa (we will align the required personnel and what needs to be done for the) security preparations,” Gaspan said during the AFP-PNP Press Conference.
She said the City Government had already prepared a security template for huge events, as organized by the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC).
As of now, she said they are still preparing final instructions from the city in relation to the event.
She said they are expecting a huge crowd turnout in the oathtaking.
The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. in front of East West Bank, Barangay Zone 3, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The explosives were left by an unidentified person in a public utility bus owned by the Yellow Bus Lines Incorporated.
A tricycle driver was injured in the incident and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
Another explosion happened at a vacant lot in Barangay New Carmen, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. No casualty was recorded in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Davao Region is on heightened alert following the two bombing incidents.
PRO-Davao Spokesperson Eudisan Gultiano said that all police personnel is already under strict security monitoring following the bomb blast.
Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, also said they have not received any possible threats in the city following the incident. But he said they are intensifying their border patrol.