‘Culture of security’ better than martial law in Davao City

DAVAO CITY—The head of a task force formed to secure the city against terror attacks and other crimes urged people to make what he said was a ‘culture of security” part of their lifestyle to make the city safer and more secure.

Col. Consolito Yecia, head of Task Force Davao, said at a press conference here that martial law would not be a permanent fixture of the city’s anti-terror program and should be replaced by a culture of security.

By developing a culture of security, Yecia said people would be able to volunteer themselves for inspections, report suspicious persons, remind each other of anti-terror policies and be part of community defense systems.

“Our first line of defense is the community,” said Yecia. He said people adopting the culture of security open bags and submit themselves to inspection not because there’s martial law.

Yecia said community cooperation is key to the fight against terror.

He also appealed for the support of public utility vehicle drivers in the city in the war on terror. At least 1,300 drivers and 700 village watchmen attended lectures on how to fight terrorism.

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

The Task Force Davao has checkpoints at three main entry points to the city with walk-through metal detectors and X-ray baggage machines from the city government./TSB