Duterte made the appeal during the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the old airport bombing in the city on Monday (Mar. 4).
Duterte alongside other local officials and the victims’ loved ones, offered flowers and lighted candles at the bombing site in Sasa.
The bombing which took place at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport on the afternoon of March 4, 2003 had killed 22 people and injured 155 others.
Duterte in his speech said the national government must give serious consideration to the increasing terrorist activities happening across the regions in Mindanao.
Duterte cited the deadly explosion at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on December 3, 2023 that left four people dead and scores wounded. ISIS had claimed responsibility in the blast that transpired during a Catholic mass service.
Duterte also cited the recent encounter of the government troops against members of the Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte that took the lives of six state soldiers and three suspected members of the local terrorist group.
Duterte said the national government should make extra effort to ensure the sustainable peace in Mindanao and keep it safe from any terror attacks.
The airport explosion was not the first terror attack that hit the city. Barely a month after the airport bombing on April 2, 2003, another explosion hit the entrance of the Sasa Wharf seaport. Up to 16 persons died and 45 wounded in the blast.
Also, 14 were killed and 70 hurt after a bomb exploded in a packed Roxas Night Market on September 2, 2016.
The city continues to provide monetary and educational assistance to the victim’s families and dependents of said terrorist bomb attacks.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte
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