Around 20,000 security personnel have been deployed in Davao City to ensure public safety and peace and order during the 39th Kadayawan Festival.

Acting Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director, Colonel Hansel Marantan, led the send-off ceremony for the safety and security clusters that will provide security for the month-long celebration in August 2024.

The clusters include police officers and representatives from other agencies such as the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte was not around during the send-off ceremony, but he was represented by retired Colonel Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO).

Sumagaysay said public safety and peace and order should be given priority, especially that thousands of locals and tourists are expected to attend and witness the Kadayawan activities.

The City Tourism Operations Office has said that more than 250,000 tourists are expected to arrive in the city to witness one of the country’s biggest festivals.

Marantan said DCPO is ready to provide security even as he considers this as his first challenge being the acting city police chief.