DAVAO CITY – Following Monday's twin bombing incidents in Jolo, Sulu, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has called on Dabawenyos to be vigilant and practice the "culture of security" at all times.
Authorities said the twin blasts, perpetrated by two suicide bombers, killed 16 people and wounded nearly 80 others. The casualties included seven soldiers and a policeman.
She said for years, the city has been boosting its security and anti-terrorism initiatives through the “culture of security” campaign to encourage Dabawenyos to adopt vigilance in their way of life.
The campaign, dubbed as “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!”, was rolled out by the city government and the Task Force Davao (TFD) last year.
In a radio interview Tuesday, Duterte reminded Dabawenyos to report suspicious individuals and activities immediately to security forces.
“If we are not careful and if we do not show care for our city and our fellow Davawenyos, (the bombing) will happen to us,” Duterte said.
She also expressed her sympathies to the victims of the bombing and hoped the wounded will immediately recover.
“We sympathized with what you are going through and we would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of those who died– who were casualties of the bombing. We hope that the wounded would get well and feel better soon,” she said.
The mayor also hopes the recently-enacted Anti-Terrorism Law would address similar incidents and give justice to the victims.
Meanwhile, TF-Davao commander Col. Consolito Yecla said they have already strengthened the checkpoint operations in the city's three border control areas.
Yecla said additional maritime patrols have also been deployed, while TF-Davao personnel have already increased visibility in crowded areas.
"Likewise, we encourage all Dabawenyos to practice the four acts of culture of security: volunteer, report, remind, and participate," the TF-Davao chief said in a statement Tuesday.
"While we do not have a direct terrorist threat in Davao City, we should never lower our guards against terrorists. We should always maintain our level of vigilance and focus even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic," Yecla added. (PNA)
