Military welcomes ‘no backpack’ policy in Davao City churches

The Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command on Thursday welcomed a new Davao City ordinance banning the bringing of backpacks to churches.

"We appreciate the advisory and directive of the Catholic Church and Davao City as it strengthens the implementation of Martial Law in Davao City. It provides our implementing units additional legal basis and authority in preventing terrorism," EastMinCom chief Major General Felimon Santos Jr. said in a statement.

"We want to assure everyone that our soldiers assisting the police will be prudent in the conduct of implementation of the policy," he added.

Santos acknowledged that the troops should be culture- and gender-sensitive in carrying out the security measures in the area.

Both Archdiocese of Davao City Bishop Romulo Valles and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio initiated the "no backpack" policy to ensure security on the heels of a bombing attack at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News