‘Culture of security’ nurtured in Davao City

DAVAO CITY –– Following the cue from Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the Task Force Davao (TFD) commander here urged the public to make the “culture of security,” part of their lifestyle for a safer and more secured Davao City.

Colonel Consolito Yecla told reporters at the AFP-PNP press conference here that martial law would not be a permanent security measure in battling terrorism here, but the practice and strengthening of the “culture of security” are for the long term.

“The culture of security is what we want to develop. We are looking at the long-term security awareness and cooperation of the people. Security will be their lifestyle,” Yecla told the Inquirer.

The culture of security propagated by TFD since April this year calls for the community to 1) Volunteer themselves for inspections; 2) Report suspicious persons; 3) Remind each other of the anti-terrorism policies of the city; and 4) Participate in the community defense systems.

“Our first line of defense is the community. When the residents open their bags or car compartments for inspection, it should be because they volunteer themselves for inspection as part of the culture of security, not because of martial law,” he told the Inquirer.

He said TFD would capitalize on the resiliency and strong spirit of cooperation of Davaoeños to protect the city against terrorism.

Yecla said TFD would need more the cooperation of the community against terrorists in their anti-terror campaign.

He said Mayor Duterte also echoed the call for the “culture of security” during the interview with Pastor Quiboloy in his “Give Us This Day” program.

“Maganda ang advocacy, practice as a habit the culture of security,” he said.

Last Sunday, Yecla also sought the help of Public Utility Vehicle drivers and barangay tanods in the government’s campaign against terrorism.

He said around 1,300 drivers and 700 city-paid tanods attended the anti-terrorism lecture the TFD conducted.

“They can help prevent the entry of terrorists in the city. The terrorists are based outside Davao. We can limit the freedom of movement of terrorists if drivers and tanods will support us,” he said.

Yecla said the cooperation and support of drivers would be critical for the success of the security measures against terrorists.

He said the TFD’s anti-terrorism lecture for drivers and barangay tanods already formed part of the culture of security the TFD wanted to implement.

“Under the culture of security, everyone plays a big role. Every Dabawenyo is asked to be vigilant and to immediately report to authorities if they notice something or someone unusual,” Yecla said.

TFD has checkpoints in three main entry points to the city equipped with walk-through metal detectors and X-Ray baggage machines provided by the city government.