More than a month the tragic Roxas night market bombing incident, the victims and their relatives are starting to pick up the pieces and rebuild their shattered lives.
One of them is Dennis Larida who lost his wife and son on that fateful day, which claimed the lives of 14 civilians and scores of others.
According to Larida, he has not lost hope, as the local and national government continue to assist him and the other victims.
“My courage is coming from my faith to the Lord,” he shared, adding he and his wife were very active in the church ministry.
Larida said that it his strong faith in God which has helped him overcome the great loss he has experienced – and move on.
He recalled that his son, Josh, expired after a sharp object penetrated his back and punctured his heart, while his wife, Melanie, died due to cardiac arrest after witnessing the death of their son.
Larida remains puzzled that he did not sustain any injury despite the fact that he and his family were seated together at the night market when the blast happened.
However, it has not been easy for him to forget the painful memories of Sept. 2, as he tries to accept the reality that his wife and son are now gone.
“The only thing that fuels me to continue living and share my story to other people is the support I have received from my relatives, church mates, and from President [Rodrigo] Duterte,” Larida said.
Meanwhile, Larida said he has forgiven the perpetrators of the gruesome incident.
“I am not harboring anger against them [the suspects] – it was part of God’s plan,” Larida said.
He stressed that he is not seeking vengeance against the perpetrators, as he only wants “justice to prevail.”
Larida expressed his utmost appreciation for the concern and support shown by President Duterte to all the victims and their relatives.
He is however hoping the government would help him pay the mortgage for his house and lot, which he said, serve as the only memories of his wife and son.
“Tatay [President Duterte] already said that Bong Go [President Duterte’s executive assistant] are still coordinating as to what their decision will be,” Larida said on the possibility that his request would be granted by the government.
