The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) announced that the 2026 Duaw Dabaw festival ended with a zero-incident security record, continuing a tradition of peaceful celebrations since the festival's inception. Authorities confirmed no major crimes, terrorism-related incidents, public disturbances, or significant security threats were recorded during the event, despite thousands of residents and tourists attending various activities across the city.
Security Planning and Collaboration
The DCPO attributed the successful security operations to months of planning and close coordination among law enforcement agencies, the City Government of Davao, emergency response units, barangay officials, force multipliers, event organizers, and the public. In a statement, the DCPO said, "Davao City has achieved another incident-free celebration during Duaw Dabaw 2026. This is a testament to the strong collaboration between the Davao City Police Office, the local government, safety clusters, force multipliers, and a vigilant community."
Police officials emphasized that the achievement reflects the city's long-standing culture of shared responsibility in maintaining peace and public safety during major events. "A zero-incident record reflects Davao's united spirit and shared responsibility," the DCPO added.
Deployment of Security Personnel
To secure this year's celebration, the city government and law enforcement agencies implemented a comprehensive security plan covering all major event venues, transport hubs, tourist destinations, commercial centers, and convergence areas. The DCPO deployed 4,169 security personnel, including police officers, force multipliers, barangay public safety personnel, emergency responders, and partner agencies tasked with crowd management, traffic enforcement, anti-criminality operations, and emergency response.
Police commanders also placed augmentation forces on standby to respond to any contingency throughout the festivities. The security preparations included intensified police visibility, intelligence monitoring, checkpoint operations, K-9 inspections, bomb detection measures, and close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and volunteer organizations.
Festival Highlights and Community Participation
Duaw Dabaw is a festival that showcases Davao City's sectoral unity amid diversity through street performances, events, exhibitions, fairs, competitions, presentations, concerts, and community activities that draw thousands of participants from across Mindanao and other parts of the country. The Duaw Davao Cheerdance Competition, held on June 28, 2026, at the Almendras Gym, featured high-energy performances, teamwork, and school spirit from participating teams, with various groups delivering dynamic routines that highlighted their talent and dedication.
Police officials said they will continue to strengthen security measures and sustain close coordination with stakeholders as the city prepares for future festivals and other large public gatherings.
