DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte's marching order to the military unit and Task Force Davao (TFD) is to assure the city remains free of terroristic attacks.
Task Force Davao (TFD) Commander Oscar Lactao said: "She also told us to inform her of any development pagdating sa terrorismo, any development na may implication sa Davao and this is what I am doing now."
Lactao said as the city mayor puts among her agenda the strengthening of tourism and investment in the city, he affirmed her vision of keeping the city free of terrorism.
Duterte earlier stressed in her talk with the city's authorities to keep the city's peace and order "especially now that more investments are coming in."
"The terrorists will look for areas na kusog ang development, kusog musulod ang kwarta, daghan ug infrastructure, mao gyud na ilang tanawon. Importante kaayo nga terrorist-free ta para malayo ta sa threat sa atong pag-develop," Duterte said.
Taking the cue from Duterte, Lactao said her observation that the city is growing means that the city is on "the right track."
"Kung lumalakas ang revenue sa Davao this is very good because it means that the peace and order is contributing well. A peaceful city is very acceptable to the businessmen. It means they are in a stable city wherein they can invest and cause more revenue for the city government and more jobs for the people. We are on the right track. We just need to be more persevering and patient because we still have insurgency," Lactao said.
Lactao said Duterte also asked him to submit a position paper on how to improve the city's peace and order, specifically against terrorism.
"I have submitted short, medium, and long term recommendations. I have also given new initiatives which she is yet to consider. Kung ano man yon it would be up to the city leadership's appreciation. I've done my share and it's up to them to adopt it or not," Lactao said. (Jade C. Zaldivar)