Some of the survivors and families of the victims of the 2003 Davao Airport bombing lighted candles and offered prayers and flowers at the blast site during the 22nd commemoration of the tragedy on Monday.
The bombing on March 4, 2003 killed 22 people and left 113 others injured.
In his message read by Councilor Diosdado Angelo Reyes Mahipus Jr., Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte emphasized that this act of terror, even after more than twenty years, still serves as a reminder that threats of violence and terrorism continue to exist.
“We stand here today in solemn remembrance of the tragic event twenty-two years ago that left an indelible scar in the community and is forever etched in the hearts of Dabawenyos. Words, however eloquent, can hardly capture the depths of grief inflicted on the families of those who perished and the traumatic experience endured by the survivors of this act of violence that befell our city,” the mayor said.
The mayor underscored that it is Dabawenyos’ collective duty as one community to work together in keeping the peace.
“The safety of our city does not depend on our security forces alone but on the involvement of everyone in continuously fostering the culture of security – volunteer, report, remind, and participate. This is our way to support our anti-terrorism, anti-criminality, and anti-insurgency efforts in the city,” the mayor said.
To the bereaved families and survivors, the mayor encouraged them to continue to press forward despite this tragedy.
“For we are assured that our departed loved ones are now in a better place,” he said.
The mayor also urged the Dabawenyos in celebrating Araw ng Dabaw to continue to stand as one strong and united Dabawenyo community and move forward with hope for a better future for all.
The 88th Araw ng Dabaw carries the theme “88 Years Strong: One Davao.”
