STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR OF DAVAO ON THE GUILTY VERDICT IN ROXAS NIGHT MARKET BOMBING CASE
The City Government of Davao welcomes the conviction of individuals who perpetrated the September 2, 2016, deadly terror attack in Roxas Night Market that resulted in the death of 17 people.
The verdict, handed down Monday, September 28, 2020, by Judge Marivic Vitor of the Regional Trial Court Branch 266 in Taguig, underscores the delivery of justice for the fatalities of the bomb attack, the survivors, their loved ones, the entire City of Davao and all the Dabawenyos who endured the impact of the said terror attack.
Four years after the grisly attack, we continue to mourn with the families of the victims and the survivors. Day in and day out, these families are constantly reminded of the horror brought by the bomb explosion to their lives.
While Davao City has epitomized unity, resilience, and strength to stand tall, strong, and victorious in the face of adversities and difficult challenges, the terror attack has clearly jolted us.
And given the many lives lost because of the bomb attack — and given its impact on Davao City and its people — we respectfully express our dismay as we point out that this positive development is somehow tarnished by the absence of a strong law against terrorism.
Although the perpetrators were convicted as murderers, they would have been convicted as terrorists as well — if only the Philippines has a good anti-terror law.
And if only the Philippines has a good anti-terror law, the kind of justice for the victims of that terror attack would have been even more meaningful not only to their families but also to the peace-loving Dabawenyos who want to ensure that their future is free from the threats of terrorism.
We believe that the decision underlines the urgency to enforce strong laws against people and groups that espouse terrorism.
Terrorism is real. And if we fail to do something to stop it, it will find its way to destroy us.
The Local Government of Davao would like to express its gratitude to the survivors and the families of the fatalities for persistently pursuing the case against the perpetrators despite the many challenges. You were dauntless in your pursuit of justice and your courage was truly inspiring.
While we claim this as our victory, we should never let our guard down. Our experience should push us all the more to embrace the culture of security. With the government on our side, only we can protect ourselves against terrorism.
Let us not forget what happened to us on September 2, 2016 — and the previous terror attacks in the city. Let us not forgive these terrorists.
Sebastian Z. Duterte
Acting City Mayor
Davao City
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