By Rommel F. Lopez
Image from Task Force Davao.
DAVAO CITY – The city is set to implement a “no-jacket policy” in all the entry and exit points including during major events and festivities here.
Col. Consolito Yecla, Task Force Davao (TF-Davao) commander, said they would discuss the new rule with the city government soon.
The new security measure came after two suicide bombers attacked a military camp in Indanan, Sulu on June 28. Suicide bombers also attacked Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo in January.
“This will only be done when you are approaching the entry points or inspection areas. With this, possible suicide bombers cannot penetrate the city or groups of people,” he said.
Yecla added that the new measure was precautionary but would be a “standard operating procedure” as suicide bombers typically wear the bombs on vests under layers of clothing to conceal them.
He said the “no-jacket policy” would also be implemented during big events in the city, such as the Kadayawan Festival, which is held every August.
He said he would be requesting the city government to impose the non-wearing of jackets on people approaching the inspection areas.
“They can wear their jacket again as soon as they have passed the inspection area,” he said.
He added that the no backpack policy in the city and the prohibition against plastic containers in selected public places would continue.
Yecla urged the public to remain vigilant and help security forces in the implementation of security measures imposed by the government.
“Be the eyes and ears by reporting suspicious persons and unattended baggage. It is very easy to neutralize a terrorist but the hardest part there is to identify them,” Yecla said.