MAJ. Maria Teresita Gaspan, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokeswoman, on Thursday said they will deploy 2,700 police personnel to secure the Kadayawan Festival from August 5 to August 21.

Aside from the police, Gaspan also said, almost 9,000 other personnel from the safety and security cluster will help provide security to a crowd of tens of thousands expected to attend the festivities, especially during the biggest Kadayawan events.

“All in all, including the other agencies under the security and safety cluster, a total of 11,346 personnel will be providing security coverage for all the activities of our Kadayawan,” she noted in a report from the City Information Office.

Gaspan said the DCPO is concerned not only in providing security measures but also in imposing the minimum public health standards during the Kadayawan events.

She also said the wearing of masks remains a mandatory public health protocol that each Davaoeño and visitor must abide by.

Gaspan added that the DCPO’s security forces may be augmented by security personnel from neighboring regions to fully safeguard the security of everyone.

“We will most probably have augmentation because in the Indak-Indak and Pamulak, we will deploy 4,200 personnel to the actual activity area. We are estimating 4,200 personnel to provide security coverage on that day alone,” she said.

The security cluster is prohibiting the public from flying drones during the events unless they have secured the necessary clearances.

Jackets, sharp objects, alcoholic drinks and firearms will not be allowed in the activity areas.

Bringing of small children to the Kadayawan’s most crowded events is also discouraged, Gaspan said.