AFP beefs up security in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Eastern Mindanao Command activated Joint Task Force Haribon yesterday to beef up security in this city, which has become the alternate seat of power and a venue of international events.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and other peace and security stakeholders in the region attended the ceremony marking the activation of the task force at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario.

President Duterte has made it a point to spend weekends here.  He also holds office at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Barangay Panacan. 

The air, land and sea capabilities of the military will be integrated to enhance security in the city and its peripheries, including sea lanes, from terrorism and other threats.

The task force will also assist the Presidential Security Group in securing the President and other very important personalities.

It will have control over Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal. Task Force 71 and the special operations unit of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao will form part of the task force.

The tactical and special operations wings of the Philippine Air Force  in the Davao region will comprise  the air component. 

Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former head of the Special Forces Regiment, was named task force commander.