CO3 MO31 Reaction Paper: Culture of Security in Davao City

The video was all about the discussion of security in Davao City. The Task Force Davao
(TFD) which was established in April 2003, is a group tasked in guaranteeing the safety of
Davaoenos. As what the speaker mentioned, its foundation was prompted by the number of
serious terror incidents that happened in Davao, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The
TFD is viewed as a force dedicated to devising and implementing initiatives and tactics to ensure
that any threat to safety is avoided and that citizens live in peace.
In total, there were eight bombing incidents that was recorded in previous years. With the
most recent, in Roxas Night Market last September 2016. As what Blue (2019) stated, If security
were tighter before, then the 17-year-old Pharmacy student who died would have been graduated
by now and if people were more vigilant, then the pregnant victim would be a mother of a child
today. According to the Swiss Cheese Model as presented, the causes of its origination were
divided into four parts: threats, access to Davao, place to stay, and opportunity to execute the
plan. First, terrorist groups are formed because of contrasting views, practices, and ideologies
that promote friction between diverse groups, providing the initial factor of causation. Second,
terrorists can also easily enter Davao due to a lack of protection within the city's borders.
Furthermore, because certain accommodations fail to distinguish suspicious people from others,
they provide these people with a safe spot to seek sanctuary before proceeding with their
objectives. Finally, because of the various platforms that enable terrorists in their attacks, they
can carry out their crimes successfully.
Due to these factors based on the Swiss Cheese Model, the Task Force Davao took
initiative by coming up with a plan. They implemented 4 Anti-terror initiatives which are the
Culture of Security, Border control, Community engagements, and Maximum-security zone. The
Culture of Security was issued as an executive order, and Davaoenos were encouraged to adopt it
as a way of life. Citizens were encouraged to volunteer in following safety protocols, to report
any suspicious person or item, to be reminded of the items prohibited when entering selected
public places, and to help TFD achieve its goal by learning about the security measures that must
be taken during various events. The TFD has also implemented stricter measures when letting
other citizens enter the city. Last, a maximum-security zone is established to deny terrorists the
opportunity to carry out their objectives. Several platforms, such as backpacks, jackets, and non-
transparent water containers, have been prohibited in public spaces in order to avoid the worst-
case scenario.
With this information, I have gained knowledge about the Culture of Security in this city
and can produce ways on how to help this initiative. I have realized that it is part of my
responsibility as a Davao City resident to help promote a secure and trusted environment for all.
A simple step like voluntarily presenting myself at checkpoints will allow me to assist in
whatever useful way I can.