THE City Government of Davao marked the solemn 22nd anniversary of the Davao International Airport bombing in Sasa on March 3, 2025. The tragic attack, which occurred on March 4, 2003, claimed the lives of 22 people and left 113 others injured.
In his message, which was read by Councilor Diosdado Angelo Reyes Mahipus Jr., Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte reflected on the enduring impact of the attack and the ongoing threat of violence and terrorism.
“We stand here today in solemn remembrance of the tragic event twenty-two years ago that left an indelible scar in the community and is forever etched in the hearts of Dabawenyos. Words, however eloquent, can hardly capture the depths of grief inflicted on the families of those who perished and the traumatic experience endured by the survivors of this act of violence that befell our city,” Mayor Duterte's message stated.
The mayor emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining peace, stressing that the safety of the city is a shared duty, not solely reliant on security forces.
“The safety of our city does not depend on our security forces alone but on the involvement of everyone in continuously fostering the culture of security – volunteer, report, remind, and participate. This is our way to support our anti-terrorism, anti-criminality, and anti-insurgency efforts in the city,” Mayor Duterte continued.
Offering words of encouragement to the families of the victims and survivors, the mayor urged them to find strength in moving forward. “For we are assured that our departed loved ones are now in a better place,” he said.
As Davao City prepares for the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations, Duterte called on the Dabawenyos to unite and remain hopeful for the future.
“As we celebrate Araw ng Dabaw, let us continue to stand as one strong and united Dabawenyo community,” he urged. “Together, we will move forward with hope for a better future for all.”
This year’s Araw ng Dabaw, which marks the city's founding anniversary, carries the theme “88 Years Strong: One Davao.”
To recall, at 5:20 p.m. on March 4, 2003, a bomb hidden in a backpack exploded in the crowded waiting area of Francisco Bangoy International Airport, now known as Davao International Airport. The blast claimed the lives of nearly two dozen people, injured more than 100 others, and caused significant damage to the building.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an Islamic secessionist militant group that is among the groups advocating for autonomy for the Moro people, was suspected of carrying out the attack, along with other similar incidents. However, the MILF denied any involvement in the bombing. DEF