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Sunday, March 20, 2005
Mayor vows to protect Dabawenyos v. terrorists
By Aurea A. Gerundio
MAYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed Saturday that the government will do its best to protect its people and property amidst threats of terrorist attacks but he will never negotiate with terrorists to spare the city.
Duterte said he would never do a Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano who reportedly appealed to suspected bombers on Valentine's Day to spare his city from the attacks.
"I am not like Emano who was on bended knees, head tilted toward heaven, hands crossed in pleading that his city be spared from the attacks. Do not expect me to kneel down. I may talk to them (terrorists) but I cannot barter the pride of this country for peace," Duterte told reporters in a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.
Duterte said he consulted with the police and military officials in the city for the implementation of stringent inspections to avoid possible bombings especially in the city's vital installations.
Earlier reports showed newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Arturo Lomibao confirmed there is indeed a plan by the terror group Abu Sayyaf to sow terror during Holy Week by bombing churches and shopping centers in Metro Manila and other urban centers in the country, including Davao City.
Duterte admitted that Davao City is one of the legitimate targets of terrorist attacks.
"I am not asking for cooperation of the public. I want obedience and compliance. Submit to necessary inspections. We will fight the terrorists with all the might. Let it not be said na hindi namin ginawa ang lahat," Duterte said.
Duterte said even members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) are already present in Mindanao.
"Stop asking me of incessant questions about the presence JI. They are here already in Mindanao. Maybe they are just there outside of this building," Duterte told reporters reiterating the need to comply with the inspections.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 20, 2005 issue)
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