Roxas Night Market bombing 7th commemoration

The City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the city’s security sector, on Friday commemorated the deadly terrorist attack on Roxas Night Market seven years ago.

The attack left 14 people dead and 68 others injured.

Friday’s commemoration was attended by Mayor Sebastian Duterte, TFD Commander Col Darren Comia, Davao City Police Office officials, survivors and families of the victims.

Duterte, in his speech, thanked the security sector for its hardwork and constant vigilance over the public which, he said, can be credited for the absence of any major acts of terrorism in the city since 2016.

The mayor promised that the local government will take all measures to prevent another such devastating attack from occurring. He also vowed continued support from the local government to the survivors and families of victims whose lives were forever changed by the heinous act.

The CSWDO currently has 33 beneficiaries to the educational assistance program for family members of the victims. Two beneficiaries have graduated from tertiary education.

Dennis Larida, a survivor of the attack, thanked the local government for its continued moral and financial support to the survivors and other affected individuals.

“Ang city government, under pa kay Mayor Inday before tapos kay Mayor Baste karon, never gyud sila nga nibiya sa amo. Nagapasalamat kami sa city government of Davao, sa mga tao sa dakbayan sa Davao nga nagapadayun gihapon sila sa pagsuporta (The city government, under Mayor Inday before and now under Mayor Baste, they have never left us. We are grateful to the city government of Davao, to the people of Davao City who continue to support),” he said.

Larida lost his wife and child in the bombing.

The security sector continues to strengthen preventive measures against terrorist threats with the culture of security campaign.

“Patuloy po nating pinapalakas, ini- ensure na magkaroon ng security measures na nakalatag dito sa Davao City —sa loob at sa mga entry points natin. Ang isa pong ginagawa natin ay ang palakasin pa, pag-propagate sa Culture of Security dito sa Davao City (We continue to strengthen, ensure that there are security measures in place here in Davao City—inside and at our entry points. One thing we are doing is to further strengthen, propagate the Culture of Security here in Davao City),” Comia said.

“Para sa tanang Dabawenyo, padayon namong gina-awhag ang inyong suporta, ang inyong kooperasyon. Dako gyud kaayo’g maitabang ang inyong support ug cooperation sa security sector aron ma-maintain nato ang peace, security, and order dinhi sa atong lungsod (For all Dabwaenyo, we continue to encourage your support, your cooperation. Your support and cooperation in the security sector will be very helpful in maintaining peace, security, and order in our city),” Comia addedr. CIO