- City retains security protocol for Kadayawan Festival events
By Rhoda Grace B Saron
THE PUBLIC Safety and Security Office (PSSO) reminded Davaoeños and visitors that the “no backpack policy” remained in place for major Kadayawan Festival activities.
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay confirmed the policy will not be changed, citing its effectiveness in previous years.
“Wala’y bag-ohon dili ta mag-deviate. Kung unsa ang gina practice nato as protocol wala ta’y bag-ohon, magpabilin nga ang mga backpack ginabawal (We will not change, we will not deviate from our previous practice on the protocol. Backpacks will continue to be prohibited),” he said during an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio.
Davao City initially banned backpacks in churches following the bombing of the Our Lady of Mouth Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, in January 2019, which left 20 people dead. Then-mayor Sara Duterte institutionalized the policy by signing Executive Order No. 41 in June 2020, which also enjoined Davaoeños to adopt a culture of security.
The culture of security involved the following security measures:
- Avoid bringing non-transparent water containers during street celebrations, concerts, parades, and religious ceremonies or public mass gatherings
- Avoid leaving bags unattended
- Remove hats and sunglasses when entering venues
- Avoid wearing bulky jackets in public places
- Avoid accepting bags and cargo from strangers
Meanwhile, in preparation for the Kadayawan, the security cluster organized a series of dialogues with the hotel, accommodation, and transport sectors for their cooperation.
Despite the heightened security measures, Sumagaysay noted that intelligence reports indicate no direct threats to Davao City, which remains insurgency-free.
Photo courtesy of City Government of Davao
