The joint police and Task Force Davao have rounded up 161 persons who failed to show proofs of identification following the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao on Tuesday night, but were freed later after profiling.

Sr. Superintendent Alexander Tagum, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, said Thursday the barangay officials of Barangays 76-A and 23 where they were rounded up could not vouch for their identities.

The operation was conducted by the police and TF Davao following information on the presence of suspicious persons.

After verification and profiling, it was learned that most of them were from Marawi City. They were released after profiling in the barangay, while some were invited to the DCPO as they were allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

Tagum said the operation was part of their effort to prevent the entry of terrorists in the city and for the security of Davaoenos.

On Wednesday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city is on a “hold and secure” status. She also issued guidelines for Davaoenos to observe during the period of martial law.

One of these is for Davaoenos to always bring proofs of identification.

The mayor earlier reported that aside from the members of Maute Group detained at the Maa Jail, there are members of the Maute Group in the city that are under close watch by the authorities.
(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)