KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) has stepped up security preparations for the 27th T’nalak Festival and the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato, deploying comprehensive measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors throughout the week-long celebration.
Speaking ahead of the festivities, PLTCOL Verlin Pampolina said police preparations began as early as January under a strategic security framework anchored on prediction, prevention, implementation, and post-operation assessment to address potential threats before they occur.
“For the preparation on the security during our festival, actually since January this year nag-umpisa na kita sang preparasyon kag may ara kami ginatawag nga predict, prevent, perform, and post-operation,” Pampolina said.
He explained that the strategy includes identifying possible security threats, monitoring personalities and groups that may disrupt public order, and implementing operational plans to ensure the peaceful conduct of festival activities.
As part of the security plan, the SCPPO will establish roadblocks beginning at 1:00 p.m. before major evening events. Police K9 units will conduct area inspections, while event security personnel and Police Assistance Desks will be deployed in strategic locations to provide immediate assistance to the public.
Authorities have also activated a Tactical Operations Center to serve as the central command hub for monitoring and coordinating all security operations during the celebration.
Meanwhile, Pampolina said nine checkpoints will be established at identified entry and exit points in the City of Korondal to strengthen security and regulate the movement of vehicles and individuals.
“Sa mga entry points, maliban sa aton mga roadblocks, nag put-up kita sang checkpoints sa mga possible entrance and exit areas sa Koronadal City kag naka-identify kita sang siyam ka checkpoints, kung sa diin ginapangayo gani namon ang pag-intindi sang mga katawhan,” he said.
The police also called on the public to cooperate by observing security protocols, including maintaining a safe distance in crowded areas, practicing proper personal hygiene, refraining from bringing backpacks, and strictly complying with the prohibition on firearms and other deadly weapons inside festival venues.
Pampolina likewise urged motorists to avoid parking along major roads and to keep Alunan Avenue free of delivery trucks and private vehicles after 5:00 p.m. to facilitate security operations, traffic rerouting, and the smooth conduct of festival activities.
