The City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), held a solemn candle lighting activity at the blast site on Roxas Avenue to mark the 8th year of the deadly attack in 2016.
On September 2, 2016, a bomb exploded in Roxas Night Market that claimed the lives of 16 people and wounded 69 others.
Attending the memorial activity were the families of the victims, survivors, the security cluster including Commander of Task Force Davao (TF Davao) Col. Darren Comia and Public Safety and Security Office Head Ret. PCol. Angel Sumagaysay, local government officials including Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Flowers and prayers were also offered at the memorial site during the activity.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a speech delivered by Vice Mayor Quitain, urged Dabawenyos to honor the memories of those who have died due to the blast by ensuring that the city remains a place of peace.
“Let us remain vigilant and let us continuously practice the Culture of Security. Dili na nato tugutan pag-usab ang ingon ani’ng buhat sa dautan (Let’s not allow a repeat of this evil deed),” Mayor Baste said.
Vice President Sara Duterte also shared similar sentiments as she called for the unity of the Dabawenyos in the fight against terrorism.
“Suportahan natin ang ating mga law enforcement agencies pagdating sa mga trabaho nila kontra terorismo. Dapat lagi tayong maging mapagmasid. Kung mayroon tayong nakita, dapat magsalita. (Let us support our law enforcement agencies in their counterterrorism initiatives. We have to remain vigilant, and immediately report suspicious objects or activities),” she said.
The Vice President also sat with the families of the victims and the survivors after delivering a brief message retelling the events of September 2.
She said that since the incident, the Local Government Unit of Davao City through the CSWDO has been consistent in providing assistance to the next of kins of the victims and the survivors.
Joanna Reyes, one of the survivors whose husband died in the blast, said she was very grateful to the city government for providing them with assistance especially for the education of their children. CIO
