Col. Erwin Bernard Neri assumes the command of the Task Force Davao on Thursday, September 8, barely a week after the deadly blast in Davao City. (Photo by City Information Office)
DAVAO CITY—The new head Task Force (TF) Davao commander paid a courtesy call to the Davao City Council during last Tuesday’s session to present his agenda on securing the city against terrorism.
During the regular session of the city council, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri presented the security plans of the Task Force here to local officials, more than a week after the bombing killed at least 15 people and wounded 69 others at the night market in Roxas Avenue. Neri assumed the command on Thursday, September 8.
Neri told the City Council that his concept of operation intends to raise the level of awareness of the public and all stakeholders on the threats of terrorism.
“I also want to raise the level of preparedness of all security forces here in Davao City, together with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and Central 911 in order to secure Davao City in all forms of threats or terrorism,” he said.
Neri said all barangays would be tapped under the so-called barangay intelligence network.
“I intend to develop networking of all sectors so I want to talk to all of them for anti-terrorism awareness,” he said.
As of now, the TF Davao personnel are doing the deterrence operation in major entry points in Davao City.”
“We are conducting shoreline patrols in the coastal areas, and other like bus boarding operations, mobile/foot patrols, route security, random/mobile checkpoints operations, Area security, and the stake holder engagement but this is not enough,” he said.
Neri also submitted his proposal on an anti-terrorism law to Councilor Nilo Abellera Jr., the chairperson of Committee on Peace and Public safety.
The proposal would require training “such as bomb drills, maritime exercises and crisis action planning with the DCPO and Central 911 and other law enforcement agencies.”
He also said it will be helpful if the city will have modernized the security procedures including an X-ray baggage machine and scanners capable of detecting bombs and other illegal items at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal and the other terminals in the city.(davaotoday.com)
