DCPO firms up security for Simbang Gabi

As the Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi near, the Davao City Police Office is doubling its effort to secure religious places for the safety and security of Dabawenyos.

PCapt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of DCPO, said in an interview with Madayaw Davao, that their office will double the security in churches for the duration of the Misa de Gallo.

She said that DCPO Director PCol. Alberto Lupaz has instructed the station commanders to deploy separate security forces within and outside the premises of churches.

“Nag-advice siya sa mga station commander nga kung kinsa ‘tong na assign sulod sa simbahan ug sa gawas, separate na siya. Kung naa’y mahitabo sa gawas, dili na to muhawa ang naa sa sulod nga security. Dapat ang kato lang sa gawas nga nagbantay sa gawas, para naay muhatag og seguridad sa mga tao nga naa sa sulod sa simbahan (He advised the station commanders that the forces deployed inside and outside the churches must be separate. In the event of a commotion outside the church, the personnel deployed outside should be the ones who will handle the issue while the ones inside must continue ensuring the security of churchgoers),” she said.

The DCPO also shared some safety tips for Dabawenyos to remember when they leave their homes for Christmas.

Tuazon urged the public to avoid posting pictures on social media regarding their whereabouts. Dabawenyos should also double check the locks of their doors and windows, and ask trusted neighbors to check on their houses while they are away.

“Kining mga nagbakasyon or wala sa ilahang balay, ang atoa lang pud ginahangyo nga dili sila magpost kung asa sila kay siyempre ang mga kawatan nangita lang na og chances or opportunity nga wala’y tao sa ilahang balay. Then kung manglakaw sila dapat i-double check nga nakakandado, dapat lig-on ang mga purtahan ug mga bintana. Kung wala gyu’y mahabilin sa balay, pwede ikuan sa inyohang mga silingan (Dabawenyos who are going on vacation, we urge them not to post their whereabouts on social media since robbers and thefts are only waiting for an opportunity to strike. Before leaving their houses, they must also ensure that their doors and windows are closed and locked. They can also ask their trusted neighbors to check on their houses every once in a while),” she said.

The DCPO encouraged Dabawenyos anew to cooperate with security forces in the city and practice the culture of security.

“Kami kanunay nagpahimangno nga kung muadto ta sa isa ka lugar, isa ka venue, kung unsa’y mga ginabawal nga dalhon sa sulod sa isa ka venue is mutuman lang ta. And then kung ang atoang kapulisan, ang atoang kasundalohan, naa’y isulti sa inyoha, mucooperate lang ang atoang mga kaigsoona’ng Dabawenyos (We always remind the public that when they go to public places or venues, they must not bring items that are not allowed in the area. Dabawenyos should also cooperate with our security forces),” Tuazon said. CIO