Govt urged to beef up drive vs terrorism in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY: Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has appealed to the national government to intensify its campaign against terrorism and anti-insurgency across Mindanao.

Duterte made the appeal on Monday during the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the old airport bombing.

Duterte, alongside other local officials and the victims’ loved ones, offered flowers and lit candles at the bombing site in Sasa.

The bombing which took place at the Francisco Bangoy International

Airport on the afternoon of March 4, 2003 killed 22 people and injured 155 others.

Duterte in his speech said the national government should give serious consideration to the increasing terrorist activities happening across the regions in Mindanao.

Duterte cited the deadly explosion at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Dec. 3, 2023 that left four people dead and scores wounded. ISIS had claimed responsibility in the blast that transpired during a Catholic mass service.

Duterte also mentioned the recent encounter of the government troops against members of the Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte that took the lives of six government soldiers and three suspected members of the local terrorist group last month.

He said the national government should make extra effort to ensure the sustainable peace in Mindanao and keep the public safe from any terror attacks.

The airport explosion was not the first terror attack that hit the city. Barely a month after the airport bombing on April 2, 2003, another explosion hit the entrance of the Sasa Wharf seaport. Up to 16 persons died and 45 wounded in the blast.

Also, 14 were killed and 70 hurt after a bomb exploded in a packed Roxas Night Market on Sept. 2, 2016.

The city continues to provide monetary and educational assistance to the victim’s families and dependents of said terrorist bomb attacks.