AUTHORITIES said the man they killed in an alleged shootout is an alias Bin Laden, who is among the wanted terrorists.
As earlier reported, last Tuesday, May 2, policemen chased a Toyota Hilux and a red motorcycle at Purok 1-B, Lower Dampa in Magtuod village, Ma-a, this city, after receiving a report of suspicious personalities.
The slain person was riding as passenger of the motorcycle. He was shot after he tried to shoot it out after being cornered. Recovered from the body was a .38 revolver with five live ammunition, a 60 mm mortar, one blasting cap, a detonating chord, M26 Fragmentation Hand Grenade, and three pieces of electronic chips.
No one carries around such materials without intention of doing something harmful with them. The 60 mm mortar itself is a giveaway as to the intention of the dead man.
The more disconcerting fact is that the man's two other companions, assumingly also terrorists like him, are still at large. This calls for greater vigilance among the residents of Davao City.
It's not a call to paranoia, just a call for greater attention to one's community and its people, and the activities that are going on.
We have to remember that what saved Bohol from a major kidnapping terrorist operation was the vigilance of its people to call out a former resident who brought in a group of armed men. While the neighborhood recognized the man as their neighbor, they did not let pass the presence of several armed men with him.
Such is the sense of community that can ensure peace. A community is one that shares a common vision, in this case, a vision of peace and harmony among its people. The success of the city to bring out this vision relies on the high level of participation of the people, to guard their front and backyards and to check on their neighbor's as well. Each one looking out for the other, each one helping to keep everyone from harm's way, and calling in authorities to fulfill their tasks should there be suspicious activities going on.
We've said it over and over again, but will never get tired of repeating it: the people's vigilance is the key for our city's continued growth and prosperity.
The terrorists are expanding their area of operations and are sowing fear among the people and would-be visitors. The best way to get back at them is to ensure that they cannot gain any hand - nor foothold in our communities; thwart their plans, and let the authorities take care of them the best way the authorities can.