Over 4k security personnel to be deployed for Parada Dabawenyo

Over 4,000 security personnel from Davao City’s safety and security cluster will be deployed during Araw ng Dabaw’s most awaited event, the civic and military Parada Dabawenyo.

Public Security and Safety Office (PSSO) head Angel Sumagaysay, during the I-Speak media forum on Thursday, said that around 50,000 people are expected to gather during the parade, and that the security detail to be deployed is more than enough to provide sufficient security coverage.

“I believe ang security nato (our security) to be deployed can really compliment the expected number of crowd,” said Sumagaysay.

Although 4,037 security personnel are now ready to be deployed for the parade, Sumagaysay said a few alterations may arise to accommodate the presence of some high-profile guests that will be attending the event.

“The latest info yesterday, baka magdagdag ng security because of the presence ng isang VVIP na mag-attend during the Parada Dabawenyo so magkaroon talaga ng adjustment pa. ‘Yong 4,037 naka-ready na ni sila (The latest info yesterday, more security personnel may be added because of the presence of one VVIP that will be attending the Parada Dabawenyo so there really will be some adjustments. The 4,027 personnel are on standby),” Sumagaysay said.

Parada Dabawenyo event organizer Harold Quibete said around 10,000 to 15,000 people from 277 groups that have signed up are expected to participate in the parade. Each group must have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 50 members, not including the groups’ marching band.

“We will be starting on Roxas Avenue. We will start at around 6:30 to 7 in the morning,” Quibete said.

He added that the first group of contingents is expected to arrive at the San Pedro Square at 8 in the morning.

“We are in a joint coordination with the Public Safety and Security Office and the City Tourism’s Office in the conduct of a safe and very secure Parada Dabawenyo 2023,” he said.

There will be two water stations located on C.M. Recto Street and at the Rizal/Legazpi Street intersection. Emergency responders from the Central 911 will also be in varying points of the parade route.

Quibete added that the parade is a maximum-security event, and as such, the organizing committee as well as the safety and security cluster will not allow the wearing of jackets, laser lights, sharp objects, and other items prohibited under Davao City’s prevailing culture of security. CIO