LESS than a week after the August 28, 2018 bombing incident in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off at an internet cafe in the same town on September 2.
In the first incident it was suspected to have been done by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The terrorists bombed the front of a used clothing store killing two people and wounding at least 35.
The September 2 bombing resulted to the death of two teenagers and the injury of 14 others.
The two bombings happened while martial law was still in place in Mindanao. If the terrorists were able to do it in Isulan, what is stopping them from doing it in other places in Mindanao?
The recent bombings also raised a number of questions. Were there lapses in the security and intelligence of the army or police? Or was security too laxed during that time; thus the bomb being able to go through security? Is it possible that the martial will be extended again?
With the recent bombings, we Dabwenyos must be more vigilant with our surroundings and the people around us. Isulan may seem far from Davao City with a travel time of around four hours but that is not a reason for us not to be vigilant in our own turf.
We must also cooperate with the authorities as they implement stricter measures to ensure that this does not happen in our own backyard. It may be a hassle going through check points and having our IDs checked but this is all for our own safety. When we see something suspicious, we must also report it immediately to security.
During times like this, we should also do our part in keeping our city safe through our vigilance.