Security beefed up for Araw ng Dabaw

DAVAO CITY — Local authorities have beefed up security for the celebration of the 67th Araw ng Dabaw which culminates on March 16.

"We have existing security measures in place but at the same time, we have augmented our men in the field since we are expecting an influx of foreign and local tourists for the celebration," said Chief Superintendent Isidro Lapeña, Southern Mindanao police director.

Since the month-long Charter Day celebration started, police have kept close watch of vital installations and crowded public places such as shopping malls, public markets, bus terminals, ports and churches.

Also involved in the security plan is the military-led Task Force Davao, an anti-terrorism contingent formed after two powerful bombings rocked this southern city early last year, killing 38 people.

"We have to make sure that no untoward incident will happen during the Araw ng Dabaw in the same way that we have been faithfully discharging our functions since the task force was created," said Maj. Orlando Suarez, the task force’s commanding officer.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, however, said the Araw ng Dabaw celebration will be solemn since it marks the city’s founding anniversary, compared with the festive Kada—yawan sa Dabaw every August.

President Arroyo will be the guest of honor of the Araw ng Dabaw, which has the theme "Patuloy sa Pag-unlad."