Security forces in this city said they have arranged an observation period to assess the reopening of the popular Roxas Night Market on Thursday.
The popular market was closed when the order for community quarantine in 2020 was released to control mass gathering amid the threats of coronavirus disease 2019.
“There is a collaboration among government agencies to facilitate the safe reopening of Roxas night market,” Public Safety and Security Command Center deputy head Angel Sumagaysay told reporters during Wednesday’s briefing at the Task Force (TF) Davao headquarters.
Among the cooperating agencies here for the market reopening are the City Transport and Traffic Management Office to manage the traffic; City Environment and Natural Resources Office to keep the space clean; City Health Office to monitor and control crowds; the Davao City Police Office for peace and order; and the Task Force Davao for anti-terrorism efforts.
This, as Mayor Sara Duterte, ordered the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions on March 21 following the decrease in the number of cases here.
With restrictions currently eased, businesses, offices, and establishments are allowed to operate at pre-pandemic capacity.
Duterte cited the need “to swiftly reopen the city for economic recovery given the impending increase in prices.”
Sumagaysay said officials have discussed only allowing some 200 vendors and massage therapists to operate in the night market.
“Still, we are not allowing the customers to wear jackets and backpacks inside the area, there is only one entrance and exit point to properly monitor the traffic of people,” he added.
Before the pandemic, about 500 vendors composed of food, accessories, ready-to-wear sellers, and massage therapists thrive every night in the stretch of Roxas Avenue.
For his part, Task Force Davao commander Col. Darren Comia said he will deploy more than a platoon of his troops to guard the resumption of the night market activities.
“There is no threat detected whatsoever but as always, your TF Davao is on the lookout for suspicious-looking individuals that might instigate terroristic activities,” he said. (PNA)
