DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio revealed they have anticipated the bombing in Cotabato City on Sunday, December 22, thus, they have maintained the red alert status in the city.
“Before pa nahitabo ang pag bomba kagahapon, siguro mga about five to seven days na ang ilang information nga dunay mubuto nga bomba,” she told the media after the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Monday, December 23. Although Davao City was not included in the list, she said they acted as if the city was a possible target of bombings.
(Before yesterday's bombing incidents, we have received information on the explosions about five to seven days ago.)
Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay said the city only needs to continue with its tight security measures.
"All we have to do is to maintain our security posture and if there is a need to level up the security measures, we will have to do it,” he said.
Task Force Davao commander Colonel Consolito Yecla, for his part, said he has ordered the security personnel to check their posts early to prevent possible explosions especially in churches where people flock for Simbang Gabi.
On Sunday, sixteen people were reportedly hurt including eight soldiers after a grenade exploded at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City beside Immaculate Conception Cathedral and NDBC/Happy FM radio station.
Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Homer Estolas also reports of an explosion of a supposed improvised explosive device (IED) in the municipality of Libungan, North Cotabato.
North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco said five civilians were wounded when a bomb went off at 6:12 p.m. in Libungan. (With reports from Juliet Revita)