Security measures are in place for the “Pasko Pahalipay sa Taal 2025” in Davao City on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.

The “Pasko Pahalipay sa Taal” is an annual tradition of the Duterte family where they distribute Christmas gifts to Davaoeños.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has convened its personnel to finalize security preparations. Around 2,000 policemen will secure the event.

They will focus on crowd management and the enforcement of safety protocols to ensure the event is orderly and peaceful.

Initial deployment will start evening on December 24 since people are expected to line up several hours before Christmas Day similar to previous years.

“24 palang sa gabii, naa na tay soft deployment, 9 p.m., kay na-observe pa lang sa gabii is naa nay mga naglinya , so, naa tay ipahigayon dira nga seguridad para masiguro nga walay mahitabo sa mga tao nga naglinya dira hangtod sa 25 sa adlaw sa pasko,” DCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.

As early as morning on Christmas Eve, several individuals were seen already waiting at the entrance to the event venue.

One of them is Gilbert Rodina and his seven companions from Tagum City. They arrived the day before and planned to wait until Christmas Day to secure a spot in line.

“Naa man gud nakauna diri, amigo namo, tapos nagbalita nga paarion mi… gahapon mi nag(adto) kay 23 daw sa kadlawon… pag-abot diri, wala pa man diay kay 24 man diay naa diri,” Rodina said.

Some attendees said they arrived early to make sure they would be among the first in line.

“Tungod sa akong tuyo nga mangayo ko og limos. Bahala na, basta nakaanhi ko diri,” another resident, Angeline Pacete, added.

Barriers were installed from the entrance of Central Park Subdivision leading to Taal Street, where the Duterte family’s ancestral house is located.

A stage and a large tent are also put up near the Dutertes’ ancestral home for the program.

Separate lanes for men and women have been arranged, along with special lanes for persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, and senior citizens.

Vice President Sara Duterte has already confirmed her attendance.