GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Hundreds of police personnel will be deployed to various public areas here starting Friday for the formal opening of the weeklong Tuna Festival 2019.
Col. Aden Lagradante, city police director, said Thursday all local police units will be on full deployment for the festivities to properly secure the participating residents and visitors, as well as the lined-up activities.
Lagradante said they have sustained alert level 3 in the area due to the continuing security threats and the prevailing martial law in the entire Mindanao.
"The security plan is all in place, expect some changes along the way. But rest assured that we will be doing our part on that aspect," he told reporters.
The city police office has a total manpower of 794 assigned at the main headquarters and the eight police stations situated in strategic areas in the city.
Additional security personnel will be deployed by the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan and volunteers from barangay peacekeeping teams.
Lagradante said they have requested augmentation from the Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) to help secure the various festival venues.
The 2019 Tuna Festival, which coincides with the city's 51st inaugural anniversary, is slated to be held on August 30 to September 5. The main activities will be held at the city's oval plaza grounds and major streets, Queen Tuna Park, city fish port complex, and shopping malls.
Lagradante said they will ban anew the carrying of backpacks, bringing of bladed weapons, and wearing of thick jackets as part of the security measures.
Capt. Abdulsalam Mamalinta Jr., chief of Police Station 1, said they will also prohibit the wearing of caps and other headgear inside the oval plaza.
"This is to prevent criminals and other elements from hiding their faces," he said.
He said the oval plaza ground is a "no smoking zone" and they will ban the bringing of cigarettes, match, and lighters. (PNA)
