The Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) announced on Tuesday that the city will continue to implement the no-backpack policy during the Kadayawan Festival following thorough consultation with the security cluster.

PSSO Head Angel Sumagaysay told Davao City Disaster Radio that the no backpack policy will remain, as it has been proven to be a proactive move for safety and security.

“Ato nang klarohon, nagka-istorya mi sa level sa security with Atty. Acosta, 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 are clarifying, we have discussed this at the security level with Atty. Acosta, we will not change anything, we will not deviate. We will stick to the protocol we have been practicing. We will not make changes, backpacks are not allowed)” Sumagaysay said.

He said in line with the Kadayawan, they have set a series of security forums with the hotel and accommodation sector, and transport sector to ensure the safety of the converging areas during the festival.

Based on consultation with the intelligence sector though, there are no direct threats to Davao City and the city is also insurgency-free.

Sumagaysay thanked Dabawenyos for the continued cooperation and observance of the culture of security that helped make the city secure and safe. CIO