THE explosion early last Thursday evening just outside the arrival area of the Zamboanga International Airport did not only kill two people and injure 24 others, the blast was also `heard’ in Davao City, so to speak, causing Mayor Sara Duterte to order heightened security measures in the city.
Considering that the famous annual Kadayawan Festival is about to open here (Monday, Aug. 16), the Zamboanga incident may have triggered a sense of panic among festival organizers who fear it would scare away prospective visitors.
Perish the thought. Let us all think positive and hope it was an isolated incident that won’t have a ripple effect on preparations for the much-awaited fruit and flower festival. Sulu governor, Abdulsakur Tan, who was reportedly slightly injured by the blast while about to emerge from the airport arrival area, believes the explosion was meant for him, courtesy of political rivals. Tan had survived attempts on his life before.
At any rate, the city mayor did as expected of her while police and military authorities responded accordingly as expected of them. This is a good sign that ought to make every Dabawenyo feel safe with regards to the city’s security. In times and situations like this, it behooves every citizen to be part of the security system by simply being alert to any signs of danger.
Davao City has an extensive coastline and any determined terrorist can choose where to enter the city without being detected. That is a possibility because other points of entry have been covered, from airport to seaport to highways. So, while our security forces are on their toes 24/7, there is no time for complacency in our daily lives. We are all in this together.
