DAVAO CITY – Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio issued a statement supporting the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which is now in Malacañang Palace for the president’s signature.
Her statement issued and distributed to media outlets on June 16 says “The history of Davao City has been marred by senseless and violent terrorist acts that have cost the lives of Davaoeños. It is a painful reminder as we continue to strive for the peace and security of Davao and the people.”
Davao City was witness to some bloody terrorist attacks in the country like the Easter Sunday San Pedro Bombing in 1990’s, the bombings in the old Bangoy Airport, and Sasa Wharf in early 2000’s killing many and maiming hundred others.
Carpio’s statement continued “And even as our country faces a deadly pandemic, the dangers and threats of terrorism are still a reality. The presence of domestic and foreign terrorist threats in our country continues to undermine our peace and democracy even as we are in our most vulnerable state.”
This is the reason that the city government is supporting the passage of the said bill despite the growing opposition from lawyers, civil society, academe, and religious groups.
The statement further states, “It is our hope that with the passing of this bill, we can better protect the lives of the Filipino people from an enemy that does not have any regard for life, that only has death and destruction on their minds.”
The mayor then calls for everyone to continue to be vigilant and to do their part in establishing and nurturing a “culture of security” here in the city and in the country.
Palace insiders said that the president is yet to read the final version of the bill and will make a decision within the week.
