Davao City has strengthened its security and anti-terrorism efforts with the launch of the “Culture of Security” – a people-centered campaign that encourages Dabawenyos to adopt vigilance into their way of life.

The campaign dubbed “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” was rolled out on Wednesday by the city government and the Task Force Davao following the issuance of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s Executive Order No. 41, an Order Encouraging Dabawenyos to Adopt the Culture of Security as Part of their Way of Life.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the peace and order and prevent all acts of terrorism in Davao City wherein all Dabawenyos are urged to practice the four acts of the culture of security – Volunteer, Report, Remind, and Participate.

The “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” campaign emphasizes vigilance and for the public to report suspicious individuals and activities immediately to the security units.

Colonel Consolito Yecla, the Commander of the Task Force Davao, said the simple act of reporting suspicious people or activities can prevent further damage and loss of life.

“Itong Culture of Security, we are seeing this as a long-term solution to the security problem with a people-centered approach in preventing terrorism. Kasi tinitingnan na natin na ‘yong community should be our first line of defense. Kung lahat ng tao sa Davao City ay nakatingin sa mga terrorists, they will be discouraged from entering Davao City (We are seeing Culture of Security as a long-term solution to the security problem being a people-centered approach in preventing terrorism. If all Dabawenyos are cautious of terrorists, then they will be discouraged from entering Davao City),” Yecla said.

During the launch which was live-streamed on Davao City Government Facebook Page, Mayor Sara also reminded Dabawenyos to be conscious of their community as it is also their role as responsible citizens.

“We, too, must do our part. It is important that we buy-in into the activities, and the functions and the responsibilities and kung unsa tong kinahanglan nga buhaton na trabaho sa Task Force Davao, because kita ang nagpanag-iya sa atong siyudad so we should be interested in its peace and order, and security (We, too, must do our part. It is important that we buy-in into the activities, the functions, and the responsibilities and work of the Task Force Davao because this is our city, we should be interested in its peace and order, and security,)” the mayor said.

The mayor also stressed that all information is important and should not be taken for granted.

To report suspicious persons and activities in their community, Dabawenyos can call Task Force Davao hotline numbers Globe: 0917 131 4333, Smart: 0999 227 1111, and Tel. No: (082) 224 0911.

The launch was also attended by Joint Task Force Haribon Commander BGen Leopoldo Imbang Jr., and other stakeholders to show their support and commitment to the project. CIO