DURING the 7th commemoration ceremony of the Roxas Night Market bombing on Friday afternoon, September 1, at Roxas Avenue, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte acknowledged the profound sorrow caused by the lives lost in the bombing, emphasizing that such loss cannot be repaid.
Duterte expressed his solidarity with the bereaved families, saying, “Dili gyud kabayran ang kamingaw. Pero gusto naku mahibaw-an sa pamilya nga ania mi, ang gobyerno, ako si Baste, naa ko sa inyuha (We cannot replace the lives lost. I want the family of the victims to know that the government, me, Baste, I am here with you)," Duterte said.
He conveyed his wish to alleviate their pain and assured them of his readiness to lend a sympathetic ear whenever needed.
In his message, he underscored the pivotal role of the security sector in maintaining regional peace. He extended gratitude to Task Force-Davao (TF-Davao), the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) led by Angel Sumagaysay, and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) under the leadership of PCOL. Alberto Lupaz.
Duterte also explained that one of the reasons he avoids getting involved in politics, particularly in Davao, is his fear of incidents like the bombing. As the city's mayor, he expressed his commitment to working alongside security forces to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
He commended the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for supporting the bereaved families during their grieving process, acknowledging that life cannot be restored once lost.
The tragic incident occurred on September 2, 2016, resulting in the loss of 16 lives and injuring 69 others.
The seven individuals responsible for the bombing were found guilty of multiple murders and attempted murders on September 28, 2020, receiving life sentences.
Task Force-Davao (TF-Davao) Commander Darren Comia encouraged Dabawenyos to actively support and engage in the security efforts of the forces, emphasizing its significant contribution to maintaining peace, security, and order in the city. RGP