MAYOR Sebastian Duterte on Monday appealed to the national government to make an extra effort against terrorism and anti-insurgency campaigns in Mindanao.
In his message during the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the old airport bombing in Sasa, Duterte said, “Gina point out diri gusto ko manawagan sa atong gobyerno to give serious consideration sa mga increasing activity sa rehiyon diri sa Mindanao (What is being pointed out here is that I want to call on our government to give serious consideration to the increasing activities in the Region here in Mindanao),” he added.
The bombing at the old airport in Sasa on the afternoon of March 4, 2003, killed 22 people and injured 155 others.
He said that the innocent always end up sacrificing the most in terroristic acts, so the government must step in to protect them.
The mayor 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 claimed responsibility for the blast that transpired during a Catholic mass service.
Duterte also cited the recent encounter of the government troops against members of the Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte that claimed the lives of six soldiers and three suspected members of the local terrorist group.
He said the national government should make extra efforts to ensure sustainable peace in Mindanao and keep it safe from any terror attacks.
He said the airport explosion was not the first terror attack that hit the city. 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.
Last Sept. 2, 2016, 14 were killed and 70 hurt after a bomb exploded in a packed Roxas Night Market.
During the commemoration, Duterte and other local officials from the military and police and the victims’ families and loved ones, offered flowers and lit candles at the bombing site in Sasa.
Moreover, the local government here continues to provide monetary and educational assistance to the victim’s families and dependents of said terrorist bomb attacks.
