DAVAO CITY — The city's safety and security cluster conducted a surprise two-part simulation exercise in two critical areas here in preparation for the 39th Kadayawan Festival on Wednesday.

The first scenario simulated an unattended baggage containing an improvised explosive device (IED) that was left at the Dumalag road junction of the Davao City Coastal Road. The baggage was spotted by a civilian who reported it to a passing patrol car. A team with the K9 unit was immediately dispatched to secure the area.

The second scenario simulated an IED explosion outside the Central Convenience Store on Roxas Avenue which caused multiple casualties.

The exercise was participated by the personnel from Task Force Davao, Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), Davao City Police Office, Philippine Coast Guard, 911 EMS, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Traffic Enforcement Unit, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Bureau of Fire Protection, among other units.

Col. Darren Comia, commander of Task Force Davao, said the simulation exercise intends to test the effectiveness of the "culture of security and anti-terror campaign of the city as well as to assess the readiness and coordination of the safety and security cluster and other concerned units."

He said it was also conducted to ensure the safety and security of residents and tourists during the monthlong celebration of the 39th Kadayawan Festival.

PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay also said that maintaining the peace and order of the city is not only a responsibility shouldered by the city's safety and security cluster.

"The success in maintaining the peace and order of our city also relies on the support of the community as they are also our frontliners," he said.

"The safety and security cluster of the city would be nothing without the support of the community."

The PSSO also assured the public that the city remains free from any terror threat.

However, Sumagaysay said, the safety and security cluster will be on high alert for the entire month of August.

The city also continues to urge Davaoeños and other individuals who wish to visit the city to practice the culture of security, cooperate with the city's security forces and to be advocates of the culture of security in the city.

The 2024 Kadayawan Festival officially opened on Thursday afternoon.

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