PRO 11 in a statement said the activity at DIA was a Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) conducted by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11 (RMFB 11) as part of the 100-day operational procedures in preparation for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
“This exercise was designed to enhance the readiness of law enforcement in handling various scenarios, including potential security threats and unforeseen events that may arise at any time,” the statement read.
The PRO 11 categorically denies that the deployment of policemen at the DIA was in line with the arrest warrant allegedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte. PRO 11 has described the information which is circulating in the social media as false and misleading.
Additionally, the police urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports that may cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
PRO 11 spokesman Major Catherine Dela Rey on Sunday denied speculations saying it was part of their regular simulation exercises.
PRO 11 director Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete encouraged the public to rely on verified sources for accurate information and to report any misleading social media content that may incite unnecessary concern.
He said, the police remains committed to ensuring peace and order in the region, strictly adhering to its mandate of serving and protecting the people.
The PNP Aviation Security Unit (AvSeU) 11 chief Colonel German Mallari, meanwhile, said that his office is now in full alert status due to the celebration of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw, saying the alert status is not related to the ICC issue.
Meanwhile, Davao City Council Committee on Peace and Public Safety chaired by Councilor Luna Acosta, a lawyer, said that her office was not informed of the conduct of SIMEX.
“As far as we know, there was no prior coordination with any office of the City Government of Davao, contrary to the practice already established in previous exercises,” Acosta posted in her FB page.
“If there is a SIMEX in Davao, we hope that all involved agencies will coordinate with the City Government. Peace and public safety is a shared responsibility and all activities should be well coordinated among different agencies of the government,” she said.
She urged Davaoenos not to panic but to stay vigilant at all times.
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