THE NIGHT Market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City, site of a bombing in September 2016, will be recommended for declaration as a maximum security zone. Task Force Davao Commander Colonel Consolito P. Yecla said in a news conference that Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta will draft the recommendation for the declaration, which will have to be approved by the city council. Last Aug. 1, the San Pedro Square was declared as a maximum security zone, which means the area would be controlled through an entry point and monitored 24/7 by peace-keeping forces. Mr. Yecla said tighter security measures will also be permanently implemented, such as the no-backpack and no-jacket policies. These measures are usually put in place during major events such as the Kadayawan Festival. Task Force Davao will also be conducting anti-terrorism awareness seminars for stakeholders of the night market as well as the surrounding communities. “The bulk of our activity now is to establish security measures by engaging the community like conducting anti-terrorism awareness seminar that will be participated in by those residing in the vicinity of Roxas Avenue… vendors, tricykad (3-wheeled vehicle) drivers, push cart boys, [and] security guards of the establishments operating in the area,” Mr. Yecla said. — Maya M. Padillo

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