Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte called on the national government to intensify its anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency efforts in Mindanao during the 21st anniversary commemoration of the old Davao International Airport bombing held at the blast site in Barangay Sasa, Davao City on Monday.
The Davao airport bombing happened on the afternoon of March 4, 2003.
According to historical account of the incident, a bomb was reportedly placed in a box or bag in a covered waiting shed just outside the airport terminal.
The explosion blew off the shed’s roof panels, and shrapnel from the bomb blast tore into those waiting in or near the shed.
Twenty-two people were killed and 143 injured.
According to the Human Rights Watch, within days of the attack, a commander of Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) claimed responsibility for the blast.
The mayor relived the incident by sharing few details about the bombing incident, which happened when he was still in high school.
“Gusto lang nako istorya para makahibalo ang mga taga Davao ug Mindanao kung unsay nahitabo tung gabiuna tu. Naay mga istorya nga pagbuto kuno ani nanglupad ang mga lawas, nangaputol ang mga kamot, tiil, ang mga ngipon mutaroy sa unod sa tawo, murag projectile murag nahimong shrapnel sa kakusog sa pagboto sa bomba. Niabot akong papa (former mayor and president Rodrigo Duterte) diri matud pa sa akong maguwang, namunit ug mga patayng lawas sa bata nga nagbitay ang tinae, human sige syagit ug tabang,” Duterte said.
The mayor pointed out that when it comes to acts of terrorism, the innocent people are helpless.
“Gina-point out ko ni kay gusto ko manawagan sa national government to give serious consideration sa increasing terrorism activities sa mga rehiyon dinhi sa Mindanao,” Duterte said.
He cited example the explosion of the Marawi State University (MSU) in December last year.
“Recently naay engkwentro ang atong mga sundalo nawad-an ta ug tropa,” the mayor said.
He added that this is what the people go through once terrorism is tolerated.
“I want to clarify na dili ni tungod Muslim o Kristiyano, naa lang gyud mga tao nga evil, dautan lang ang gusto nila mahitabo. I do not know kung unsa gyud ang ilahang motive,” Duterte said.
Meanwhile, Restituto Amparado, one of the survivors of the old Davao airport blast, expressed gratitude to the Duterte family for not abandoning the survivors until now.
