THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has tightened its security net for the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 on March 22.
PCOL Mannan C. Muarip, DCPO Acting City Director, convened a high-level staff conference on Monday at the Kapanalig Hall to finalize the operational blueprint for the international triathlon and the seamless celebration of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw.
The meeting synchronized strategies among key unit commanders to guarantee the safety of participants of the grueling 70.3-mile course.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero told TIMES on Monday afternoon that around 972 personnel from March 19-22, 2026, will be deployed, plus an augmentation of 40 Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) personnel from Police Regional Office XI.
The security plan includes intensified operations at physical screening and billeting locations, and strategic deployment of personnel along race tracks, parking areas, and staging zones. Meanwhile, support units will be integrated into the local force to bolster the city’s defensive posture.
“Meticulous planning is the backbone of a successful IRONMAN,” Muarip said, noting that the race remains a crown jewel of the Araw ng Dabaw festivities, attracting a global audience and showcasing Davao as a premier sports tourism destination.
The police chief also ordered a close monitoring of local diesel prices, citing potential spikes driven by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. He noted that fuel costs directly impact the mobility and logistical readiness of the police fleet during large-scale operations.
