AS AN aftermath of the Davao City bombing, the fear of crowds or Enochlophobia maybe the next subconscious concern the entire county will go through in the coming days.
A chain effect of fear has gripped the nation with the homestead of the President tagged as the most peaceful of all. The attack of terrorists stamped with arrogance has brought into light the fact that no one is safe.
In the highlands, we mourn with the City of Davao and are one in the belief terrorism has no place in society; we likewise condemn to the highest degree these acts against humanity.
As Davao grapples with the situation, the rest of the country copes with a fear and confusion only terrorism can bring.
In the city, where tourism is a key driver, the security of all is being thought of. The Baguio night market is far more populated than the Davao blast area, but we do not have a President living here.
The night market will continue but Mayor Mauricio Domogan said it will be temporarily closed if safety of the public will be threatened because it generates at least P1 to P1.4 million monthly.
The absence of a Duterte target might set the city apart from Davao but it will not be a factor in making the mountain resort a target for an attack.
Enochlophobia known by different names such as Ochlophobia and Demophobia is a phobia consisting of an irrational fear of large crowds and gatherings of people, something we have a lot of here minus the phobia, at least for now.
Police are keeping a watch over the local night market as it stays open despite a fear brewing from locals.
It is right not to be cowed by acts of terrorism but it is always better to be careful, finding the balance between the two is the challenge.