Backpacks, shoulder bags banned in Kidapawan City’s charter day

KIDAPAWAN CITY—Backpacks and shoulder bags are banned within the city plaza, pavilion, city gym and city hall compound here as the city starts its weeklong 21st charter anniversary on February 5.

Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista ordered the police to fully implement the measure to ensure the safety of people watching the charter day events.

Aside from backpacks and shoulder bags, hard objects such as a hammer, water pipe, sports tools and other construction materials are also prohibited in these areas.

“These items shall instead be deposited in a designated repository,” Mayor Evangelista said.

Drivers of vehicles and motorcycles are also required to submit themselves for inspection and are allowed to park their vehicles only in the designated parking area.

“We will be doing this until the last day of our celebration,” Evangelista said.

Superintendent Ramil Hojilla, city police director, said intelligence operatives are deployed in strategic locations to monitor the flow of incoming and outgoing vehicles.

Thousands of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) and personnel from the military will also augment the local police in securing the area.

At Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral, a strict policy has also been implemented among churchgoers.

Though backpacks and shoulder bags are still allowed inside the cathedral, parishioners passing the main gate are properly checked and frisked.

Police and K9 units also guard the gates.

Church management also prohibits the entry of all types of vehicles within the cathedral premises.