Davao City is set to deploy 5,000 personnel from various agencies to ensure safety and security during the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) peace rally on Monday, January 13. The deployment will involve members of the Safety and Security Cluster, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).
Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), informed the City Information Office that the personnel deployment aims to safeguard the participants and maintain order throughout the rally. The event will take place at Rizal Park and is expected to draw a large crowd.
The security cluster, which includes the Philippine Coast Guard, the intelligence community, Task Force (TF) Davao, and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), has prepared for the event. Sumagaysay assured that the security measures are sufficient to guarantee public safety.
The CDRRMO will dispatch 565 personnel to address emergencies. CDRRMO Head Alfredo Baloran explained that these staff members will come from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Emergency Medical Response, Peace 911 staff, and the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team.
Medical stations will be established to assist attendees, with the main station located at Rizal Park. Additional stations will be set up along Claveria, San Pedro, and Ponciano Streets. Emergency medical responders and doctors from the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the City Health Office will also be present.
To manage road traffic, the CTTMO will deploy over 400 personnel. Partial road closures will begin at 9 p.m. on January 11 and will affect San Pedro, C.M. Recto, C. Bangoy, Iñigo, Pelayo, Bolton, and Rizal Streets to allow for stage setup at Rizal Park. Full road closures will be implemented on January 13, covering San Pedro, C.M. Recto, C. Bangoy, Iñigo, Pelayo, Bolton, Rizal, Illustre, Bonifacio, and Palma Gil Streets.
CTTMO Head Dionisio Abude, speaking on Davao City Disaster Radio, advised residents and motorists to plan their routes accordingly. Rally attendees are also encouraged to report suspicious individuals or unattended baggage to the security cluster for immediate action.
This comprehensive plan underscores the city government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and organized event. The INC peace rally is expected to highlight unity and community cooperation amidst significant logistical preparations.