ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2016, an explosion ripped through Roxas Night Market on a busy night. The explosion left 15 persons dead and 69 others injured.
In a sense, the incident has somehow affected the city's image as being among the safest cities in the Philippines. However, this did not bring down the city nor the Dabawenyos. The resiliency of the Dabawenyos and the city was evident as they did their best to get back on their feet.
While it has been generally peaceful in the last three years, Davao City was not spared from security threats especially since it is the home of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his family.
Up until this day, security forces in the city continue to implement stringent security measures to ensure that the city is safe as it can be.
We are grateful for the protection that the security forces have continue to provide us. However, we cannot always be complacent.
In ensuring the safety of Davao City, the public also plays part in ensuring law and order.
In her message marking the third anniversary of the Roxas Night Market, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio urged the Dabawenyos to create a culture of security in the city.
"I ask all Dabawenyos to abide by the measures we have set in place at the Night Market, and everywhere else in the city," she said.
Duterte-Carpio said by being law-abiding citizens and adhering to the security measures of the city is one way that we can protect the city and each other.
"This is how we will continue to stay strong and stand united and resilient as one Dabawenyo community. And this is how we can honor the memories of those we lost and those whose lives are forever changed because of what happened here three years ago," she said.
If we truly want Davao City to continue to be among the safest city in the country, we also have to do our part in living a culture of security. This means that we follow security protocols, measures, and rules to the best we can.