COASTAL villagers of Matina Aplaya in Davao City were reportedly able to send away three strangers, who were attempting to anchor their boat off the shore on Saturday, May 27, a military official said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Commander General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw held at SM Ecoland Annex Building on Monday, May 29, said the report came from the Matina Aplaya residents, who called the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) hotline after they saw a fishing boat with three unidentified men approaching the shore around 8 p.m.
Guerrero said the residents were alarmed since the boat was not from their place. They asked the men who they were and why they were anchoring in the area.
Guerrero said the three men refused to answer and instead went back to their boat and left before the police officers arrived. There is no report yet on the confirmation of the identities of the men whether or not they are part of any rebel or terrorist groups.
"AFP recognizes the residents' initiative in Matina Aplaya in taking part [in] securing the city from any malicious acts and behaviors observed," Guerrero said.
Public participation and vigilance, Guerrero said, contributes to the overall improvement of the security in the city.
"What happened in Matina Aplaya signified how law-abiding citizens and government troops can work together in maintaining the peace and order in places that militaries cannot penetrate," Guerrero said.
He urged Dabawenyos to observe, monitor, and report suspicious behaviors taking place in barangays, specifically on its coastal areas.