D AVA O B O M B I N G S P E C I A L R E P O RT
And right there, amidst the broken plastic chairs, in the middle of the bloodstained explosion site, a lifeless pink baby stroller stood. The place was silent by then
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the loudest, loneliest silence
Mind the Now
The explosion that changed it all
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MIND THE NOW
ATENEWS VOL 62 NO 3
N E W S Atenews Vol 62 No 3 Mind the Now: Davao Bombing Special Report September 2016
Cover photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes Tabloid design by Ian Derf Salvaña
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The Shockwave An explosion hit the massage area of the Night Market along Roxas Avenue, fronting Ateneo de Davao University, which killed 14 and left 67 injured around 10pm last Sept. 2. Photo from Rappler
The dreaded Davao explosion A few weeks after the bombing, fuzzle still looms the city Ram Manlatican
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he special task group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has lead investigations in the aftermath of the Roxas Night Market bombing at the Roxas Avenue which took at least 15 lives and injured over 60 people last Sept. 2. As of writing, authorities have identified three persons of interest who are believed to be the culprits behind the incident. According to the scene described by witnesses, a man in his 40s, along with two women, allegedly left a backpack at the massage area of the night market. One of the masseurs called the attention of the man a few times when he noticed that the the bag was left behind. An explosion was then set off mere seconds later. Recently, PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa said that the police have identified one of the culprits. It was followed by the release of a sketch of one of the three perpetrators, demonstrating a male suspect with a black mask. Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio confirmed on a television live interview that there were prior intelligent reports, saying that the mayor’s office, PNP-Davao, and Task Force Davao had been receiving public security threats from unknown sources as early as the first week of August. Lost lives, city gov’t actions During an interview two days after the incident, Synette, one of the night
market masseuses who resumed business despite of the recent tragedy, expressed her strong feelings regarding the explosion. “Dili maayo. Wala pa gyud mi maayo!” she exclaimed while providing a foot massage to a listening customer. Among the 68 wounded victims, 16 were placed in critical condition. Southern Philippine Medical Center officials said that shrapnel pieces were found in the victims’ bodies. Among the 15 victims who perished, ten people died on the spot including a 12-year-old child and a seven-month pregnant woman; five died while under hospital care, including a 17-year-old student from San Pedro College Kristelle Decolongon and a pregnant who suffered from a coma for almost two weeks. On Sept. 5, the city mayor offerred a P2-million reward to anyone who could give enough information that would lead to the arrest of the persons behind the Roxas Night Market bombing. The reward was raised to P3-million last Sept. 8.
vice were 60-mm and 81-mm mortar ammunitions. An attached cellphone served as the trigger. The fuse used for the bomb had a 9-volt battery which was used as the power source. Experts stated that the improvised explosive device (IED) was intended to inflict harm and target maximum casualties, as well as instantly kill everyone within a 4-meter radius. The bomb materials were identified following the discovery of shrapnel pieces at the blast site. A fragment of the explosive device was also found in the liver of one of the survivors who underwent surgery. The evidences found confirmed that the explosion was not caused by a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tank as what was initially suspected. Abu Sayyaf confusion A few hours after the incident, citizens from all over the country started to share conspiracy theories and suspicions that revolved around the idea that the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf might have been the head of the Night Market bombing, considering the intense military conflict between the government and the said group. These suspicions and theories were further given validity when ABS-CBN reported that the Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the attack, citing an alleged spokesperson of the group who identified himself as Abu Ramie. Ramie was said to have stated that the country should expect more attacks. ABS-CBN’s report also stated that the Abu Sayyaf was currently calling interested Muslims to join their war which what they called “mujahedeen” or “jihad”. However, a different report by CNN Philippines followed and stated that the Abu Sayyaf denied any involvement in the bombing. The two clashing reports led to confusion among people. On the other hand, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told media groups that the Abu Sayyaf could be behind the incident. The Office of the
The best way is to get our act together as one government and as one people
‘Twin-bomb’ The Police Regional Office (PRO)Davao confirmed on Sept. 6 that the materials used for the explosive de-
President also told Duterte-Carpio that the group was behind the bombing. Duterte’s state of lawlessness Hours after the night market blast, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the explosion site to personally inspect the post-blast situation. During his abrupt visit, the president declared a “state of lawlessness” in the country to combat both the drug menace and the Abu Sayyaf. The president’s declaration was received with confusion by many citizens, worrying that it might be the first step to a Martial Law declaration. Duterte, however, clarified that the state of lawlessness did not mean he was resorting to Martial Law and clarified that the writ of habeas corpus will still remain intact. The declaration would basically allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to join the PNP in securing the nation in accordance with Duterte’s “specifications”. On Sept. 4, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, in his statement aired on state-run Radyo ng Bayan, clarified the issues concerning the president’s declaration, saying that the AFP was included to better ensure the security of the country. “We have to accept the fact that our government is in serious war against illegal drugs and serious war against terrorism in Sulu, Basilan, and these terrorists will always find a way to retaliate,” Andanar said. “We are facing a faceless enemy, and the best way is to get our act together as one government and as one people,” the secretary added. Beyond post-blast threats Despite the threats of having more bomb incidents, the Roxas Night Mar-
Heightened Alert In a couple of minutes after the explosion at the Roxas Avenue, Task Force Davao officers readily secure the perimeter of the blast site. Along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), TF Davao keeps civilians away from the scene to control further damage. Photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes
ket resumed business operations immediately in spite of the trauma the incident brought to both the vendors and the might market goers. During the memorial mass last Sept. 3, which was held at the site of the bombing, Duterte-Carpio said that Davao City could not be taken down easily, saying that “it will take a hundred of bomb incidents in Davao City to put [Davao]down.” It was during the end of the memorial service that Duterte-Carpio clarified to the public that the Roxas Night Market would resume operations. “Tama man pud ang giingon ni Mayor [Duterte] na i-open ang market kay kumbaga ang mga tao [kay] naanad diari,” Grace Salvino, a regular Roxas night market customer, shared. Bomb threats and other chain messages were observed during the first few days of post-blast period, coming from both verified and unknown sources. None of the said threats were carried out.
OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
DAVAO BOMBING SPECIAL REPORT
N E W S
University condemns bombing, grieves for losses
Ateneo efforts raise awareness Rebekah Gail Celis & Kimberly Maragañas
Mikel Steven Luy Apart from taking lives and injuring many, the Roxas bombing last Sept. 2 also affected the lives of hundreds of Davao City residents. Even several days after the bombing, the effects of the incident still linger among the public. To remember the victims, a memorial site was organized in the exact spot where the incident happened. Many of the students and staff of the University - the nearest building to the explosion site - expressed their sentiments over what happened. For Physical Plant Office (PPO) Supervisor Engr. Evtri Tabanguil, the incident was an eye-opener to all the weak links in the security system of the university. “As you can see, the Rodriguez Hall of the Community Center is wide open. It is almost as if anyone can enter at will. Also, the CCTVs that we have in this school have a lot of dead spots that we hope we can improve on in the future to provide more coverage,” he said. Apart from security concerns, he also reassured the students that even days after the bombing, the PPO is still doing their best to maintain safety inside the campus. SAMAHAN Pres. John Chin expressed on behalf of the SAMAHAN Central Board (SCB) that just like everybody else, they are deeply grieving for the lost lives and the innocent people affected. “We are deeply grieving for the loss of these innocent lives caused by a totally unnecessary act of violence. For someone to boldly make a statement and take so many lives with him is just inhumane,” he stated. Chin also added that the SCB members are working together to help students cope with the fear and sadness caused by the bombing incident. “Starting with the mass and prayer vigil held in the campus, we are slowly coming up with activities to rebuild the lost rapport among students and help them remove the fear that they’ve come to associate with the bombing,” he explained.
Photo by Camaela Mijares Students from all over Ateneo have also been adamant in social media about how resilient Davaoeños are, even using hashtags such as #AlsaDabaw, #StayStrongDavao, and others at the end of their posts. When asked about how they felt towards the Roxas bombing, most of them usually echoed the same thoughts, with the common denominators being their love for their city and their sympathy for the innocent victims. Long-time AdDU faculty member Bebot Monteclaro, a regular customer at the massage area of the Roxas Night Market, shared that he felt sorry for the victims of the tragic incident, some of which he knew personally. “Personally, nasayangan ko sa ilaha kay most of those that I’ve personally known na nagatrabaho didto, their family depends on their income for daily sustenance. I [also] know one group that the whole family is working there in the massage area, katong akong mga suki nako. Where are they going to get money now? Luoy gyud,” he said.
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Give Peace a Chance
Davao stands unafraid
The Davao City Government gives a memorial service, Sept. 3, for the victims of the explosion in Roxas Night Market last Sept. 2. Mayor Sara Duterte said it will take a hundred bomb incidents to put Davao down.
City gov’t, locals unite vs terrorism
Photo by Ian Derf Salvaña
Anna Sophia Tarhata Piang
D
avao City was in a state of mourning the day after the Sept. 2 Roxas Night Market bombing which destroyed both private property and numerous lives. In response to the casualties and fear that resulted from the blast, Davao’s city government held a mass in memory of those who passed. Archbishop Romulo Valles, who presided over the mass, stated that the incident had “no sense at all [and was] very inhuman.” “We are progressing yet death and destruction come. Evil comes into our means. It is difficult to comprehend. It is difficult to understand. Pure innocent lives lost,” he expressed in his homily. Davao community members also expressed similar sentiments. When asked what were their thoughts regarding the incident, many replied that it was inhumane and painful. “Siguro ang masaabi ko lang ito’y isang gawa ng siguro mga walang pusong Filipino rin na di ko alam kung anong meron sila sa ngayon. Bakit nila nagawa ito? Ano kayang klaseng pagkatao meron sila? Bakit nila nagawa ito at pumayag na maging isang daan para magawa nila ang ganitong trahedya? Iyon lang ang tanong ko, bakit kaya? Ano kayang meron sa kanila na gawa nila itong bagay?” Long-time Davao City resident
Em Laguna expressed. “Murag as a Davaoeño murag sakit gyud siya para sa amoa. Na murag safe ang Davao but katong isa lang ka explosion kay ang mga tao kay nahadlok. Makita nako karon na mingaw na kaayo og dili na parehos sa una,” second year University of Southeastern Philippines Economics student Nathalie Sanchez shared. Several days after the bombing, people still feel grief and worry. Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Mass Communication student Roby Mahinay is one of these people. “I feel sad for those victims na namatay. I feel nervous kaunti dahil sa nangyari. For some reasons may gustong gumawa ng mali dito sa city,” she shared. University of the PhilippinesMindanao Professor Jhoanna Lyn Cruz also expressed pain and anxiety regarding the incident “I think it’s tragic that the blast took innocent lives and injured many more. And we continue to pray for the victims and their families, that they may find some comfort and meaning in what happened. But even more tragic is the emotional impact of the bombing on those who were at the site when it happened, who must try to make sense of their own survival outside of the fact that they had survived. “Furthermore, its effect on our community, who must now deal with the consequences of such a terroristic
event. Every day, my children come home from school with news about a bomb threat in this or that school, and I can’t imagine how to deal with this fear because I feel it too,” she shared. However, in spite of the tragedy, the city government of Davao had taken actions in order to ensure that the lives of its citizens will resume as normally as possible. Furthermore, in a press conference with various media outlets, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio stated that Davao should be unafraid. “We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident,” she stated. In her Facebook post, AdDU alumna Mags Magalana also stated that those who perpetrated the bombing would only win if Davao allowed itself to be ruled by fear. “Terrorists ‘win’ when through their acts of terror, they inflict not only direct harm on people but also generate fear in others--the paralyzing kind that dictates on the minds, emotions, and movements of people,” she stated in her post. Valles also shared Duterte-Carpio’s sentiment by expressing in his homily that people should not run away. “We must stay strong. Stay strong Davao and I believe thank you again for this very good move to come together and pray, to ask God to help us discover once again, hold once again, the value of loving one another of being there for one another. We will not run away from the challenge, looking at ourselves as people of goodwill. This evil would not stop us from standing again,” he said.
After the Sept. 2 Roxas bombing, students and organizations of the Ateneo de Davao University initiated charity efforts for the bombing victims and conducted orientations to raise awareness about the incident. Last Sept. 3, the university’s Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS), in partnership with the City Social Services Development Office and other volunteers, responded by providing debriefing services. Second year Mass Communication student Ruth Kathryn Jayne Laquihon, a witness to the said bombing incident, said she was traumatized. “I was very traumatized. I couldn’t face my relatives who passed because of the bombing. I also couldn’t look at the area without crying, because we were really in the massage area when the bomb exploded,” she said. Laquihon was one of the witnesses who underwent trauma debriefing by COPERS. She said the organization
Photo by Camaela Mijares helped her overcome her anxiety. “The debriefing gave effective ways on how to release the pain. Because of the debriefing, I learned to control my feelings, and I also learned that it’s okay to let go of my tears,” she said. COPERS also conducted a bomb threat awareness orientation for security and utilities personnel. COPERS Director Dr. Rhodora Gail Ilagan expressed her joy regarding the social response in line with the debriefing services. “I am very happy with the readiness and willingness of the volunteers and affiliates who are practitioners who immediately responded after news of the incident came out,” she said. Student organizations and clusters also contributed to the relief efforts. The Computer Studies (CS) and the Business and Management (B&M) clusters both held donation drives. CS gathered bottled waters last Sept. 4-5 for authorities working for the safety of the city while B&M conducted their donation drive days after the bombing. Other university initiatives included a reflection session headed by the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, fundraising for the victims by the General Assembly of Class Presidents (GACP), and a donation drive for food given to policemen who guarded Roxas Avenue.
Davao tightens security, aids Roxas blast victims Rey Andrew Alonsagay & Kyrie De Chavez In response to the Roxas bombing, Philippines has been declared to be under a “state of lawlessness” along with the rest of the country by President Rodrigo Duterte. In line with the declaration, the city’s government has taken various actions in order to address the problems of looming threats and traumatized citizens. Last Sept. 3, barely 24 hours after the blast, the city organized a holy mass at the site of the deadly blast at Roxas Avenue. The mass was led by Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles and was
attended by hundreds of people who gathered in memory of the victims who lost their lives in the tragedy. Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio later announced on the same day that the Roxas Night Market will resume operations. She stated that the decision was made in order to have a semblance of normalcy. “The measure of terrorism is how long a victim stands up. Davao City is standing up now, not tomorrow, but right now. It will take a hundred bomb incidents in Davao City to put us down,” she stated. On Sept. 5, Duterte-Carpio offered
monetary rewards in order to hasten the ongoing investigations. Two million will be given for the immediate arrest of the culprits, one million pesos will be granted in exchange for valuable information about the suspects, and another one million will be given to anyone who can deliver the suspects to the city government. On the same day, Duterte-Carpio announced that she relieved Task Force Davao Commander Col. Henry Robinson Jr., and City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria.
It will take a hundred bomb incidents to put us down
She also apologized for whatever lapses the city may have made that allowed suspects to sneak a bomb in a crowded night market. The city government has also recently prohibited facial coverings in Davao’s public spaces. The coverings include sunglasses, mouthmasks, hats, and burka, which also stirred controversy as it was viwed by some as disrespectful to the Muslim community. The Davao City government provided financial assistance to those affected by the blast, approving the release of 4.5 million cash last Sept. 6 to cover for the hospitalization of the wounded and the funeral expenses of the dead. Police investigations regarding the blast are still ongoing.
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MIND THE NOW
ATENEWS VOL 62 NO 3
E D I T O R I A L
ATENEWS ESTABLISHED 1955 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Reil Benedict Obinque Associate Editor Ian Derf Salvaña
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ATENEWS ASKS The Narratives
Managing Editor Avegail Gimeno
Pag Abu Sayyaf Muslim, so na-gegeneralize kami. So nandun na ‘yung factor na natatakot kami pag balita na may terrorism or may bomba. Related pa dyud sa Muslim ang pangalan, so for me na-discriminate, lalong lalo naka-wear ng veil. Mas nafi-feel na naming after nung incident na ‘yun na mas nagiging istrikto na. May times na gina-check na talaga lahat. Every time na may terrorism, ma-feel naming ‘yung discrimination, genegeneralize, na hindi naman gud dapat. Terrorism has no religion, mapa-Christian ka man o mapa-Muslim or atheist or kung meron ka mang pinapaniwalaang religion.
Nakita na nako ang siyam ka buok na patay. Naa pud nidagan nga babae na gigunitan niya ang tiyan kay nigawas ang iyahang tinae. Luoy kaayo. Ang uban, naningkamot na makasakay og taxi. Mga civilian, gipasulod sa community. Nag tabang ko sa pagmonitor kay delikado na nay makasulod sa atong eskwelahan. Sa akoa, siguro mga mugno nga terrorista, para silang walang puso, di makatao, di maka Diyos. Nasa isip nila yung mga ginagawa na masama. Sila ay masaya pag maraming namamatay.
Dareen Maula, 3 Chemical Engineering
Bouyet Ludo AdDU security guard
Who among us knows what this government had been planning to do before the bombing? But those of us who have lived through Martial Law are hardwired to be wary of hasty presidential declarations following what is presented as an act of terror. We should remain vigilant and critical in times like this. We cannot just accept a statement like Davao City has been “sacrificed at the altar of violence,” as if it were a holy war, as if it were a necessity in order to propitiate some mad god. Jhoanna Lyn Cruz, University of the Philippines-Mindanao professor
News Editor Anna Sophia Tarhata Piang Associate News Editor Ram Manlatican Art Editors Dominique Francesca Costales Alexis Matthew Reyes Social Media Editor Christian Dale Espartero Working Staff Senior News Writers Rey Andrew Alonsagay Julien Jame Apale Rebekah Gail Celis Mikel Steven Luy Senior Feature Writers Mary Gyle Manuba Francesca Maree Testa Senior Photojournalist Camaela Mijares Senior Cartoonists Steely Dhan Caballero Maria Cyra Jane Dealca Raf Maurince Tacder Senior Layout and graphics Artist Myrile Cadalzo Senior Video Team Jonathan Javellana Joseph Nasser Alexa Valderama Junior News Writers Allyster Berthe Astronomo Angelica Carreon Kyrie De Chavez Rosvir Kate Flores Manelle Joy Kasudale Kimberly Maragañas Junior Feature Writers Jupiter Cabig Jr. Maria Isabel Elizaga Sabrina Zehender Junior Photojournalists Hannah Lou Balladares Charlotte Billy Sabanal Junior Cartoonists Stephany Kate Bergado Christian Hel Cemine Carlo Isiah Escarda Junior Video Team Neil Marc Mejia Mary Lou Sumampong Junior Web Developer Jono Luiz Cosio Moderator Fr. Erwin Rommel Torres
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hat has recently happened to Davao City proves that what is supposed to annihilate us
should unite us. The explosion incident last Sept. 2 at the Roxas Night Market, just in front of the Ateneo Community Center, created terror not only among Davaoeños but also the rest of the Filipino people. This was Davao City, and all of a sudden, everyone seemingly felt like nowhere was safe. This label of Davao as the ‘safest city’ became the source of conflicts between Davaoeños and those who mocked the city after the incident. While responders were rescuing the victims, while officials were figuring out the source of the explosion, while families huddled together in fright, some Filipinos were in social media arguing with one another. It began when some netizens started implying that Davao’s safeness, considering the bombing, was a hoax – statements that triggered most
Bombing mockery EDITORIAL Davaoeños who, shortly after reading the bashes, also started their own series of rants in Social Media. This even reached to the point of some people in Davao refusing to be called as “Filipinos” and some Filipinos mocking people in Davao. It turned into an exchange of hate and hostility. To some extent, the event was politicized, reducing it into a quarrel between the ‘yellow’ and the Duterte administration, which even divided us further according to which politicians we support. Worse, after the news about Abu Sayyaf claiming that they were responsible with the bombing popularized, some started blaming the whole Muslim community as culprits to the said event. The amount of Islamophobia in the country is something we should prevent before it grows alarmingly. In
times like this, the worst thing a citizen could do is to create an arena where religions and ideologies battle while the rest of the nation calls for unity and understanding. This perhaps is a true measure of the success of terror attacks: how much it can divide the hearts of the people more than how much it can divide establishments. What we need are not divisionary sentiments, but support from one another, wherever one might reside, whatever political leaning or religion one might have, whoever one might cheer. Whether or not Davao was safe should not be put under debate. The fact that it has responded immediately to the problem implies that the government is ready with any incidents that might occur in the area. On the
other hand, the fact that it was bombed tells us that the city is not perfect; it is not a utopia where nothing harmful happens. What should be put under debate then, is how to make Davao and other regions safer, and how we can, as citizens, contribute to achieving this. To mock a region solely because of an incident that is very difficult to avoid and to deny one’s being a Filipino because of this mockery are responses that won’t contribute anything to the situation but just arguments and endless Social Media rants. We need to stop creating conflicts and feed the happiness of those who like to terrorize us - those who may be laughing as they witness us panic and throw undesirable remarks to one another. We need to stand up not as Davaoeños, not as Duterte supporters, not as Muslims or Christians, but as one Filipino nation. What are bombs but wires and shrapnel pieces – not enough to defeat our unity. In times like this, we shall always remember Mao Zedong when he said, “We shall heal our wounds, collect our dead and continue fighting.”
Love always wins Althea Dannia Esmael BLUEBLOOD
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ept. 2, Friday. It was a sad and horrfying night for the Davaoeños and the Philippines. Lives lost. People got injured. Country in a state of lawless violence. My heart prays for the victims of this heinous bombing. Innocent civilians – men, women and children – lost their lives in an instant. Many got injured and some victims are still fighting for their lives as of this moment. It is tough to see, in my lifetime, my brothers and sisters being butchered indiscriminately while in Islam we know that even ants have rights to life which must be respected. This is just another reason why we do and advocate peace and interfaith
dialogue. Allah SWT forbids killing of innocent people. According to the Qur’an, one of the greatest sins is to kill a human being who has committed no fault: “If someone kills another person, unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth, it is as if he had murdered all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32) Every time an act of terror or bombing occurs, Muslims closely watch the news with extreme trepidation. This is not because these perpetrators are likely to be Muslims but rather because in the instances where they happen to be, we see amplified stereotypes and extreme unjustified hatred towards us, Muslims. I am tired of hearing terrorist attacks being carried out by inherently violent people who hijack my religion. Terrorist groups or extremists who claim to be Muslims and inflict terror in the name of Islam are not true Muslims. What they do is not, in any
way, according to Islam. Muslims are also killed by these same misguided, ignorant and radicalized terrorists. We strongly condemn whoever the perpetrators are. Terrorism has no religion. Does it take yet another haunting news of a horrifying terrorist attack to remind the world of the violence that there is? Do we all start mumbling words like humanity, peace, triumph of good over evil, and the like as if these things were possible without bringing the criminal to justice? It is not enough to just feel the need to condemn these crimes. We must work together to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. It is not right to have tolerance in such forms of violence. I refuse to lose my faith in humanity. We pray for the innocent people who perished that night and for the continued heartaches of everyone, friends and family members, including thousands of unjustified oppression
resulting to killings and injuries long before Philippine History had started and now slowly being forgotten. It is heedless to live a good life in abundance when you know that innocent people, those deprived of justice, are dying because of bombs, wars, oppression and politicized conflicts. What we need right now is to unite ourselves and not be hopeless. If these people ignited this fire by killing innocents, then they could do everything, by all means, to burn us and the President; but we will not let them do that. We won’t let them cast terror to everyone and we will stand up – stronger. We join together in condemning and eliminating evil plots by people behind all sorts of crimes. We will fix this country together with President Duterte, to stand by him and to collaborate with him. Let not this heartbreaking event turn us to become helpless and overpowered.
During these times, apathy is not the answer. Unity is, because in here there is strength. Our ancestors, grandparents, and parents have been longing for that “long lasting peace”. Peace is a continuing process and we must all work for it. In shaa Allah (God willing), in our lifetime, my brothers and sisters, we can attain that long lasting peace without killing one another. As a Muslim, my heart aches and the only consolation I find is to ponder over God’s mercy and forgiveness, and search some ways to stop the madness through the way of Islam, of Prophet Muhammad, the way of love and peace. Let’s continue to pray for this country, its people and our President. Have faith. Love always wins. Althea Dannia Esmael is a fresh graduate from the Ateneo de Davao University. She’s currently working as a project coordinator of AdDU’s Salaam Movement.
OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
DAVAO BOMBING SPECIAL REPORT
O P I N I O N Nagluto mi diri. Mao to nibuto la’g kalit ba. Nanagan ang mga tao pag buto ato. Ang amoa lang diri nakulbaan gyud mi kay bomba gud na siya gud. Wala na mi niadto ato kay bawal na man didto paadtoon kay niana man ang mga police na bawal kay basin naa pa’y segunda nga basi’g mobuto pa ba. Ang pagbuto kusog gyud kaayo siya. Pagbuto ato daghan na’y patay; naa’y nangaputol nga mga tiil, nangaigo. Mark Rangas, Roxas Night Market food vendor
Ang Roxas night market bombing, susama sa mga bombings nahitabo diri sa atong dakbayan last 2013 and 2014 sa twinbombing sa SM Cinema ug Gmall nga sinehan, ug twin-bombings sa Sasa Wharf ug sa old airport nato, kabalo ang League of Filipino Students ug ang mga antiimperialistang pundok sa kabatan-onan nga kining mga instances, pagpamomba ug acts of terrorism, is headed by none other than US or United States of America para i-justify katong pagbalik sa ilahang mga tropang Amerikano.
Born and raised in Davao, I have never expected that a bomb [would] go off in my city. So when the Roxas bombing occurred, it’s understandable that the whole city felt the effect. My city can still be the subject of terrorism, but this same city mourned its dead, lit the candles, and [rose] from the shrapnel [pieces] stronger than ever. Scared, shaken but standing. Ey Abellana, University of Southeastern Philippines Geodetic Engineering student
Terrorists “win” when in the wake of their actions old divisions are intensified or new ones created. The view that the incident was “karma” on Dabawenyos, and the “I am a Dabawenyo, I am not a Filipino” drive on social media post-September 2 may seem poles apart. But in truth they are of the same kind of intolerance championed by terrorists. Terrorism loses momentum when citizens practice inclusiveness, respect diversity, and promote principled unity. Mags Magalana, SunStar columnist
Paul Dotollo, Kabataan Partylist Vice President for Mindanao
Davao has always been my comfort zone, which really denied me an experience of these realities - realities I know, but I do not fully understand. Let us take this experience with the lens of love and the spirit of gratitude. We are all blessed in our respective ways, let us realize how important each moment is. Believe that the reason of why things happen is for the greater good. John Chin, Samahan Central Board President
An order of dumplings, buchi, and state of lawlessness
T Reil Benedict Obinque WORD WEAVER
he dawn after the Roxas explosion, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte went to check the site. As expected, media swarmed around the exhausted president asking him all sorts of questions. That was also the time when he declared the state of lawlessness – a phrase so unfamiliar for some that it immediately stirred controversy, confusion, and fear. It is not, however, the first time in our country that this phrase is used by a president. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also made the same declaration following the Sasa Wharf bombing in April 3, 2003. Basilan was also put under a state of lawlessness in 2001 after the several Abu Sayyaf kidnappings in the area. Despite this, even I wondered what state of lawlessness meant. Like others, I naively asked myself what changes would be implemented or if this declaration was a prelude to Martial Law. There was automatically the feeling of fright and uncertainty among citizens.
People started asking what they should expect from the increased number of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed in different areas. Some were confused as to what extent the police can arrest someone or check their belongings, or if a curfew would be implemented. Even if Duterte clarified that there was no suspension of habeas corpus, some worried that they may become subjects of harassments from military or police officers or may be arrested without warrant. What could then have fueled the public’s reaction to this declaration? Its scope was first and foremost unclear for many, even for the media. It was difficult to identify if it was applicable only to Davao or to Mindanao or if it involved the whole nation. In fact, the day after the bombing, several news agencies reported that the declaration, as what Duterte’s special assistant Bong Go said, covered only Mindanao, only to retract the information and state that it also covers the rest of the nation.
Without a definitive statement regarding its scope, people were left wondering about the parameters of the declaration. In addition, the fact that ‘Martial Law’ was the first thing that came to the minds of the people tells us that some Filipinos’ experiences with the Marcos Regime has contributed a lot to how they reacted with the declaration. Others even claim that Marcos used state of lawlessness before putting the country under his dictatorship. It can also be remembered that the controversial ambush of Enrile, which was used by Marcos as one of the basis in declaring Martial Law, was allegedly faked – staged to make Martial Law look necessary. The same thing has perhaps occurred in the minds of some after the Davao bombing, which is why they feared too much about what may happen next. The fear that the said regime has given the people caused them to worry that the same thing might happen again under the Duterte administration. Is this also
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a manifestation of their lack of confidence with the military officers who were also the sources of fright during the Marcos era? Is this a measure of how successful Marcos is in propagating public distrust? The written proclamation of the state of lawlessness that Duterte has recently signed elaborates what authorities can and can’t do. This should give the people the confidence that Duterte is not declaring a Martial Law. But this should also remind people to be more observant, to not let anyone violate their rights in the process of attaining peace. It is now then a challenge for the government to make sure that the members of the AFP accomplish their tasks by creating an environment of safety than an environment of fear. While it is also important for the public to cooperate and understand why such operation has to be carried out, the public is also urged to be vigilant, to stand for themselves, to prevent another dark era happen.
What to become of Davao now
T Ian Derf Salvaña SANDUGUAN
he paranoia has its exaggerations to confess: The suffering of the victims highlighted well what has been an issue of security interest in Davao against terrorism. Because of Davao’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, the rest of the country has been on mixed grounds of opinions regarding their conception of a secured Davao that may well be just a false idea after all as the recent explosion left 15 dead and dozens more injured. Amid the distress brought about by the bombing incident in Roxas Avenue last Sept. 2, the people at the onset have tried to cope up by showing solidarity that transcended throughout Social Media. Although I know that to counter the terrorist attack initially claimed by the rebel group Abu Sayyaf is something that would ask us of our firm unity, healing the people’s mindset regarding the horrors of the bombing is not really an easy task.
In fact, a solid stance in reality would only be just a superficial effort to console ourselves so as to recover in the long run – a defense mechanism to deface our true fears and anxieties. Personally, I have never imagined that I would live to see such horror inflicted among the locals and reduced to question the country’s confidence to Davao’s security. Much of my stay in the city has never been marred by fear and anxiety until the explosion. The safety I felt roaming around the quiet streets of Davao during late nights before has now become numb of criticisms as I figure out a way to relieve off my stress. This initial reaction, which is surely in unison with a lot of people, is also another problem to take with a heavy heart. As human as we are, self-preservation will always be a prioritized interest. Evidently, what has been forcibly seen throughout the days succeeding the blast is reluctance
to impossibilities of more atrocities in Davao. Even if we stood in spirit as we condemn the killings, the question of what’s to make out of life right now after the bombing is still a blur to a lot of people. The number of those who usually go to the night market, the site of the explosion, has drastically depreciated, and the busy scenes before are yet to be brought again to make out of the Roxas we know. Right now, several people are already visiting Roxas amid the bombing scare, but the number is still futile to support the needed income of vendors who just depended their lives on their street food businesses, on street massage, or on ukay-ukay (second hand clothes and apparels). It is saddening that the situation of the lives making a living in Roxas is undermined by the hype over what has happened. Most of the attention was given to the victims, to terrorism, to security, which gave too much apprehension for vendors whether or not they’ll still be able
to feed the stomachs of their family members. This is a reality so apparent to everyone as of this writing. Honestly, the people themselves are not to be blamed as well if they feel reluctant because of fear and anxiety brought about by the incident. The marring confidence of the Davaoeños toward the question of the city’s safety is also just a reaction, though it may entail lesser income to striving people in Roxas, lesser happiness, and even a lesser Davao. As I make out of the city right now, it has indeed changed differently – something that has grown in the hearts of the people with fear and anxiety. I hope that after we get over this tragic occurrence, Davaoeños would be happy again to roam around the beloved city, and that Roxas workers and vendors will be able to make a living without apprehension again – something I would long to see in the future.
Warring states (of perspectives)
B Anna Sophia Tarhata Piang STRUGGLING SOCIALIST
e careful, my brothers and sisters. We are going to be blamed once again for this.” This was probably what many members of the Muslim community were telling one another when the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf initially claimed responsibility for the Sept. 2 Roxas bombing that destroyed various lives. True enough, religious prejudice kicked in and raised accusatory fingers at the Islam religion for wanting to raise a “jihad” against the Philippine community. Naturally, the “true” Muslims and their allies rose to defend themselves against the slight and slander. Those who truly practice Islam always clarify that their religion actually advocates peace and that the extreme actions of the likes of Abu Sayyaf go against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an. On the other hand, their allies sup-
port their explanation while stating that true Muslims would never perform dangerous acts of injustice all in the name of religion. They all also have to specify what “jihad” means. The term “jihad”, as opposed to the widely-known definition of it being a holy war, actually refers to being at war with oneself in the sense that an individual is struggling to be the best kind of person he/she can be. With regard to this, those who act out of kindness and educate people about the true nature of Islam are the ones who are truly engage in jihads, and not those who recklessly spread out violence and destruction. Yet, what is saddening is that those who truly practice the Islamic doctrine are being socially marred and ostracized, thus resulting in them having have to speak out and explain to millions of ignorant people that Islam does not equate to war. However, they are left with no choice. After all, how could the gen-
tle and good actions of the real Muslims be given any attention when all heads are turned toward the screeching battle cries and explosions their extreme and inhumane counterparts make “in the name of God” during wars that are broadcasted on a global scale? It is unfair that a religion that advocates peace is labelled as vicious and violent all because of the actions of a few members gone astray from the said faith’s right path. Yet those others who suffer from the horror that the latter inflict upon them would naturally blame whatever indoctrinated faith drove their attackers into harming them. What person wouldn’t be inclined to at the very least think that Islam is violent and atrocious when a mother crying over her child’s lifeless body is screaming at them from their television screens that armed men who claimed to be Muslims killed her son? Who wouldn’t be disgusted at the
sight of a war-torn city with dead bodies splayed everywhere that has a gigantic black flag with Arabic characters proudly displayed in the middle? Who wouldn’t be angered by a masked man telling anyone who is watching his video that he beheaded an innocent woman because his faith obligated him to do so? It goes without saying that the name of Islam is being dragged into dirt all around the world. From the wounded Philippines’ own Abu Sayyaf to the fragile Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Islam is being paraded by terrorists who proudly claim it as their religion (even though they aren’t deserving to even be called true Muslims). A lot of wars are happening, and all of them are real. However, one of the biggest wars that everyone is facing right now is the war between perspectives and truth. And sadly, it seems that this war is not going to have a winner anytime soon.
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MIND THE NOW
ATENEWS VOL 62 NO 3
F E A T U R E S
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hree days after the Christmas celebration in 1993, a serene Sunday evening welcomed hundreds of churchgoers to celebrate the Eucharistic mass inside the famous San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City’s oldest church, without any form of apprehension. Families and friends gathered together, stalls of vendors normally settled outside, and beggars wandered along the busy streets to implore for any help. The night remained normal until an unimagined panic and terror blanketed the full-packed area when three bombs exploded simultaneously, first at the church’s center aisle, another near the altar, and last at the main entrance, which have killed seven innocent individuals and injured 151. After 23 years, painful memories slowly faded away, and while people thought it would just be the only incident Davao would suffer from, it’s never really the end of violence and terrorism. In the same ordinary night last Sept. 2, the best time for people to stream into the festive streets of Roxas to satisfy their hunger, to drop by at their favorite ukay-ukay stalls, and find relief in the massage area from a hectic routine, an improvised explosive device unexpected by the locals exploded, turning the ecstatic moments into nightmares and tearing ongoing gatherings, celebrations and lives in enormous horror. Meters away from the scene, a bang accompanied by a familiar shout begging for help outside his room awakened Ateneo de Davao University International Studies student Nico Arapan. The unexpected pound had broken the enjoyed solace, and when he opened the door, a recognizable face appeared to him covered with blood, terror and unspeakable pain. It was Errol Campos, one of the victims in the recent Roxas bombing. That night was primarily calm for both Nico and Errol. In his resting place, Arapan was just listening to his favorite playlist while Errol on the other hand was enjoying his day in the blissful streets of Roxas. After an exhausting exam week, students usually go to Roxas street to satisfy their street food cravings with its student-friendly prices of food and variety of beverages to choose from. Options like buchi to pork and chicken barbeque and buko juice to flavored shakes, all varied in one array of a sumptuous feast. Errol, who was enjoying multiple barbeque delicacies, waited a bit longer beside the stall because the vendor has no immediate change for his money. While waiting for the vendor to arrive, an inexplicable light blinded Errol’s eyes and, in the moment, the explosion made him unconscious. When he opened his eyes, he saw himself laid down on the floor and still unknowledgeable of what has really happened. NETIZENS AROUND the world expressed their concerns, lamentations, and condemnations regarding the bombing which have showed pity, hope, and faith in humanity. Arapan on the same hand shared what he witnessed when Errol approached him for help who was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Stitches from the blast Errol Campos has recovered now. About the other victims, he can only wish hope Jupiter Cabig, Jr. Photo by Ian Derf Salvaña
“Dumating siya sa room na duguan. I was shocked when he entered the room from a supposed good day. I was resting at the moment he came and by the time I saw him, I was filled with fear witnessing the constant flow of blood from his mouth. I rushed him directly to the hospital,” he narrated. In his Facebook post, he expressed his feelings regarding the unexpected bombing where many innocent lives were lost, 14 partially recorded and 69 wounded that time. He called for a spirit of unanimity despite of the existing diversity among Filipinos. “My roommate bled. My roommate [had] stitches. My roommate was having a good day. My roommate did not ask for this. I rushed to the hospital whilst seeing the stains and puddles of blood on the streets and hospital floors. A stranger [bled]. A stranger [died]. A stranger is [a] Dabawenyo and a stranger is a Filipino. He bled. We bled,” he posted. Arapan, despite the feeling of shock and panic, composed himself to focus on his friend instead of being terrified. “By the time he reached our room, we quickly got dressed and put on small towels into his lips to slow
down the bleeding. While my other roommate [ran along] the streets to look for any emergency ambulance (911), I took the initiative to bring him to the hospital through a taxi ride as fast as possible. Immediately, a medical personnel took him and we waited for everything to be settled until dawn,” he added. He also stated that because Errol’s parents are far from Davao, Nico and his other roommate took care of him . THE TRAGEDY had shaken many lives, which diminished numerous livelihoods for the affected stall owners and jobs for some of the victims. But more than those things were lives lost, along with their dreams and aspirations in life, of which stories were deeply attached. Errol, a third year Architecture student from the same university where Nico goes, was one of the 69 people who were wounded. He remained in his location while he was standing beside the food stall by the time of the explosion. From the random blasts of flying shrapnel, it was a fortunate situation for Errol to be at a better position when a small piece of the explosive hit his lips, which did not include any other parts of his body. In an interview with him after a partial recovery, he said what happened made him vulnerable and even numb at that instance. “Na-shock ako kasi ang dami ng mga sugatan at spilled blood sa area. Wala na akong marinig kasi nabingi ako sa malakas na pagsabog. Hindi ko na mafeel ang pain sa mga wounds ko. Napatulala ako habang nakatutok lang ako sa kamay ko while nagdi-drip ang blood from my mouth,” he said. Moreover, he provided details about the physical damages he acquired after witnessing the explosion at first hand. “Biglang may malakas na ilaw at pagdilat ko, napaupo na ako sa kalsada tapos nabingi ako sa lakas ng explosion. Mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Pagkatapos ay ayaw nang mag-stop ang bleeding sa mouth ko, sa upper lip. Umuwi muna ako sa dorm kasi I thought maliit lang ang sugat at magsa-stop lang ang bleeding. Medyo nahiwa pala talaga ang upper lip ko so nag-ask ako ng help kina Nico. Tapos, yun, sinugod ako sa hospital. Pumutok
daw ang blood vessel ko kaya ayaw mag-stop ng bleeding, kaya tinahi,” he added. Errol had undergone a surgery to cure his damaged upper lip, which medical expenses will be catered by the city government under its P4.5 million budget for all the victims. Current Pres. Rodrigo Duterte also arrived at the hospital. He explicitly showed sympathy to all the victims by visiting them, not missing Errol’s ward. Aside from Duterte, Fr. Joel Tabora, Ateneo de Davao president, blessed and prayed over Errol for a faster recovery and spiritual guidance, as he did to fifth year Accountancy student Steven Tagadaya, who was also injured during the blast.
Experience in terrorism should not fear us. We should rather combat it
DESPITE THE accumulated fear of the people of Davao, Nico never lost his hope for the city to stand again and recover from such tragic event that will surely remain in the minds of the victims and of the entire Davao community. “Experience in terrorism should not fear us. We should rather combat it,” he
said. Before the Roxas street tragedy, eight bombings, all associated with terrorist groups, took place in Davao since the first recorded explosion during the Easter mass in San Pedro Cathedral last April 19, 1981. Despite the imposed harm and danger, the city managed to stand again in forwarding unity, peace and justice. Nico showed his compassion even though he had not directly witnessed the explosion and deeply pitied Davao and the victims for the loss of numerous innocent lives. “It’s very disheartening. It was unexpected for Davao. And it took us all by shock,” he lamented. WHAT HAPPENED to Errol and the
other victims is not the end of the war against violence and terrorism. The pain of numerous deaths and injuries may be reduced to just memories after several years, but what will remain breathing is the withstanding hope for a better humanity. The stalls may had been broken drastically, the roads and chairs may had been spilled with liters of blood, the people’s sense of security may had been changed significantly, but it will always be the same Roxas street we expected and will continue to be when the sun is down. Life will rise again for people who are hungry with Roxas’ vendors offering superb arrays of food side by side, of stalls selling ukay-ukay, of masseurs laboring for their families waiting for them at home, or of mobile vendors shouting zealously for customers to notice, of the noisy blows of jeepneys calling out for passengers, or even of the beggars and homeless asking for any small help. It’s the same home where everybody deserves a place within.
LEFT Blessings and Recovery While being confined in a hospital, University Pres. Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. visits and blesses college students Steven Tagadaya (leftmost) and Errol Campos who were bombing victims. Photos from Jeremy Eliab’s Facebook account
OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
DAVAO BOMBING SPECIAL REPORT
F E A T U R E S
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The masseur works with shaky hands Hoping and recovering as the city moves on, locals now try to go back to their normal lives Maria Isabel Elizaga
R
oxas Avenue has been used to the splatters of oil and buko juice, stains of different sauce for barbecue and dumplings, and the chatter of interactions easily blocking out the sound of traffic. Yellow streetlights cast a glow on the Davaeoños, either making a living, stopping by for dinner, for a massage or for an ukay-ukay shopping spree. The night market, which lies only meters away from schools and various establishments, has become a nest full of comfort and familiarity. But an inexplicably horrifying occurrence that people never thought would happen on a Friday night left 14 dead and dozens injured. On Sept. 2, streets that have been accustomed to food splatters and glow of yellow street lights witnessed an explosion that has left the streets stained with blood and images of sheer panic, fear, and loss. In a matter of seconds, the explosion extensively left a horrying breakdown in the city. Those close to the site during the incident first thought that a transformer or a street vendor’s tank of gasul was to blame for the deafening explosion, but it wasn’t a mere accident. Survivors said that a backpack containing the improvised bomb was intentionally left by man at the clusters of massage therapists and clientele. It is a usual occurrence for a customer to mindlessly forget belongings in establishments, so a massage therapist naturally called out to the customer saying, “Sir, naiwan niyo po ang bag niyo.” But there was no response and this lead to confusion. Why would anyone leave his bag at a night market? There was no time to catch up with the mysterious man because after that, the bomb exploded in one of the open tents causing a tragedy of a great orange cloud and then, thick black smoke that rose up to the sky. A MASSEUR AT ROXAS night market for almost two years, Armando Morales has been used to lathering oil onto skin, pressing the right points into the feet and back to relax and relieve people‘s tired bodies after a long day’s work. His hands along with his other companions’ were not trained to carry
THIS PHOTO ‘State of Lawlessness’ Local and international news agencies swarm the streets of Roxas Avenue few hours after the bombing to cover the abrupt visit of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his initial declaration of state of lawlessness in the country. Photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes ABOVE Candles, Flowers and Memories With lighted candles, individuals and different organizations from across the country offer flowers and commemorative messages for the victims of the bombing. Photo by Ian Derf Salvaña
broken bodies of the injured, but that was exactly what he did right after the lethal blast. The tone of his voice was firm and unafraid as he openly recalled the happenings of the deadly bomb blast to few market-goers that had gathered around him. “Ang impact para talagang matatanggal na ang ulo mo,” Manong Armando said as he reinacted the blast using his hands. “Ang usok talagang madilim, ang mga bangko puro dugo. Akala naming patay na ang lahat,” he recalled as his eyes looked onto ground zero. “Hadlok kaayo!” said Akeem, a 12-year-old boy who was only a few meters away when the bomb exploded. He showed his arms and happily said that he wasn’t harmed, but his face turned gloomy as he described what he saw on that night. Chairs that were for resting became shields, blocking out enough impact from the blast to keep Manong Armando and his co-workers from getting injured. “Lupad ang tanan nga bangko. Kung walay bangko, sapol mi tanan. May nalang kay nagabayan mi sa mga bangko kay naharangan mi,” the masseur narrated further. IMMEDIATELY after the blast, Mang Armando recalled that his co-workers went off running to the farthest corner screaming in panic. After fully realizing that he was still alive, he responded to those left injured. Manong Armando described his act as an ‘automatic rescue,’ saying that since he wasn’t hit, he wanted to make help the people that could still be saved. Morales said that he felt that in a matter of 15 minutes, ambulances, fire trucks and policemen were immediately there to help. Different conspiracies have risen from all over the country, but while media and citizens point fingers onto drug syndicates and ASG, the whole city mourns with the family and friends of the victims. Empathy and hate between Filipinos and Dabawenyos has been passed around like a ticking bomb. There were some netizens who rejoiced and made jokes after hearing about the incident. While some couldn’t sleep – up all night scrolling through news feeds to get as much new information as possible, hoping that loved ones weren’t affected and worrying about
the great possibility that they were. AS DAYS PASS BY Roxas night market is slowly recovering, getting prayers and support from different parts of the Philippines and the world. Candles are lit to illuminate the flowers offered and the different signages to remember the 14 innocent lives that have been lost and to give strength to the living, left to heal from the physical and emotional scars and left to live with greater vigilance. The site has become a monument. In the center are various flower arrangements, some freshly placed and some that have been there since after the bombing. The diversity of the people surrounding the vicinity is evident in the various clothes they wear. Either they’re average townsfolk, students wearing different uniforms, or businessmen wearing suits, they all crouch down to light candles and pray. Candles have melted into the streets as newly lit candles take their place. Meanwhile, children who treat the night market as their second home and who were in close vicinity of the bomb blast are diligently relighting the fallen candles. These children have been finding simple ways to take their minds off fear after witnessing a series of events that are hard to process for people, let alone children their age. The recovering night market, which once offered a sense of comfort, is now being patrolled by authorities across the streets bringing K9s or riding bikes from point to point looking through the thin sea of market goers. Their presence reassures those traumatized but sudden noises and the sight of abandoned bags in the market haven’t ceased to cause doubts.
“Di na ko hadlok kay daghan na ga bantay,” said Issahn, a 13-year-old boy, while looking around at the numerous armed men surrounding ground zero. The young teenager’s face was colorful with paint and his hands were clutching onto a cartolina painted with the words ‘FREE HUGS’. Behind the street carts and lounge chairs, vendors and masseurs still persist in welcoming Davaeoños ready to fill up their stomachs and have a relaxing massage. Manong Armando and his coworkers are already back to their usual set-up – sitting on the same chairs, on the same street, back to business. He served as a catalyst for his companions to better accept what had happened. The time for coping may be different for each person, but he expressed that it is better if we stop fear from consuming our minds since this could worsen situations. “Gina ingnan lang nako
sila na dili na dapat ta padala anang hadlok kay maapektado ang atong tibuok lawas,” he confessed. The bombing took the lives of some of their companions, but for Armando, gaining enough courage to continue living their lives would be a better way to commemorate those who lost their lives. Cindy Ignacio, part of Guhit Pinas Davao a group of artists who organize events for various advocacies, said that they organized this ‘FREE HUGS’ movement as a means of uplifting Davaeoños spirits after the blast. The artist said that the children were the ones who approached them and asked if they could help in giving free hugs. As seen from people’s reactions, these free hugs were indeed effective in uplifting spirits, even for the ones giving the hugs. “Nalipay ko kay daghan koy nahug,” shared Issahn. A free hug from a smiling child is not far-fetched from Manong Armando saying that letting fear reside in minds would affect the whole body. The general sentiment of the people wanting Davao to stand up to numerous threats and acts of terrorism is greatly validated by the connection formed through acts such as free hugs and discourse about the incident. It can be observed that Dabawenyos are now more inclined to communicate with each other after the incident. Drivers would ask their passengers if they were there when the bomb exploded. In short, citizens are becoming more concerned of each other and not just their personal affairs. Lives were lost and many were injured, but this has made the living realize the great need for compassion that will eventually lead to true unity against the evils that this world is living with. Maybe it’s true that Roxas Night Market will never be the same in the way that Davao has come to know it to be. The avenue has seen tragedy. The deaths, fear and mockery have made Davao become a ghost town for several days and just like those who have been injured, the city is still recovering. As Mang Armando said, “Ingana lang dyud ang kinabuhi. Padayon lang ta kay buhi pa ta. Sandal lang sa Ginoo.” We can only hope that one day, the city and the whole country will be fully healed.
Vol 62 No 3 Mind the Now September 2016
End the Silence of the Gagged! Member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Established 1955
DAVA O B O M B I N G S P E C I A L R E P O R T
H
ustling towards the end of another “Thank God, It’s Friday,” a bunch of college students were busy getting over the week’s stress and moving on to preparing a surprise for their debutante friend. A long and fun night ahead was all they anticipated and they couldn’t quite contain their excitement. Kristelle Decolongon, a second year Pharmacy student at San Pedro College, along with her friends, was eager to see how their surprise would turn out for their friend’s 18th birthday. While they were waiting, she asked Ateneo de Davao University Industrial Engineering student Febie Gyle Baldonado, her best friend for eight years and her current roommate at their dormitory, if she can borrow her phone to make a call. The phone call Kristelle made was with her mom and, just like what any other mom on a phone with her daughter on a late evening would say, she was told to go home immediately. Kristelle, not wanting to miss the event, pushed through with the surprise and afterwards, went along with the plan to study at Mcdonalds’ Sta. Ana for their upcoming exams. “Mag-Zero nights ta?” Febie asked her. Without hesitation, she said yes, and the two girls laughed in anticipation as they planned to prank their debutante friend. “We’ve got another surprise for you!” They bluffed. That was when they headed towards the Roxas Night Market. They were already a few steps away from where they were heading. The Night Market was always the same – glowing with festivities of food, ukayukay, hard-working vendors and lively goers. Actually, Kristelle was just there the other night to eat at Liempolicious, where she was already branded as a regular customer. “One, two, three! One, two, three!” She started counting that way as they looked for their suki, which is located next to the massage area, in order for their silly act to come out pretty convincing. Kristelle and Febie exchanged mischievous smiles as they got settled and started to eat the food they ordered while they had the usual barkada banter over the fake second surprise. AFTER THE HEARTY dinner, the group was just getting ready to pay. Kristelle, being the one nearest the massage area, must have observed the masahistas busy tending their customers, who were seated at varied types of plastic chairs, just like any other night. Febie, on the other hand, almost forgot to eat the barbecue left on her plate so she grabbed the stick and went around the table to stand behind Kristelle, offering her the food. Although the latter’s expression showed she wanted to eat it, she didn’t reach out for it and apologetically said, “I’m on a diet. I won’t eat more tonight.” Casually, Febie went back to her seat and after a few minutes, there suddenly went a deafening chaos caused by an explosion. It was as if they were hearing the sound of big boulders during a landslide or of a low-pitched pop, like a large firecracker. The brightest flash passed through their eyes and ironically, the darkness dawned on them. Screams and loud gasps echoed the scene. Panick-stricken Vendors hastily collected stuff in their stalls and customers hurriedly ran away. Kristelle on the other hand felt extreme pain from a really hot and quick force she couldn’t comprehend. The next second, she was lying flat on the floor. It all happened so fast she couldn’t seem to keep up with what was happening.
A grave upshot Before Kristelle Decolongon’s death, her friends were just planning a birthday surprise Mary Gyle Manuba & Sabrina Zehender Illustration by Carlo Isiah Escarda
Footsteps hazily resonated Kristelle’s hearing while Febie was running as fast as she could towards her. She picked up some of her friends’ things, her hands shaking. “Telle, dali na. Tindog na dira,” Febie, already filled with fear and panic, said as she held on to her. “Sakit,” was all Kristelle could weakly mutter. “That was the last word I heard her say,” Febie recalled. A friend shouted for someone to call 911. With much fear, Febie did and after a few moments, police men and the 911 team filled the area. Sirens from fire trucks and ambulances overpowered the weak cries of the injured and of the witnesses. Febie became paler with the thought of another sudden explosion happenning directly after the first. She remembered that she was the eldest in the group so she shook it off and instructed her friends to go to the Community Center at AdDU which is just in front of where they were. As she turned her whole attention to Kristelle again, she picked up her book and saw stains of blood on it. Later did she realize that it came from Kristelle and with horror, she saw and examined the wound that sent her to shock. It was painstakingly wide.
I cried so hard that when we arrived at the hospital to confirm it, I had no more tears to shed
INSIDE THE COMMUNITY Center, while waiting for news about Kristelle at the San Pedro Hospital where she was rushed to, Febie strongly believed that her best friend was going to be okay because she’s a fighter. Every now and then, their eyes would light 3.0 up while reading some tweets about Kristelle being stable but after a few minutes, their landlady called Febie to inform her that Kristelle only had 20% chance of survival. “That was the time I decided not to tell the others because they were already too shocked and depressed. I just went to the chapel instead,” she recounted. After a while, their landlady contacted Febie with the most heartbreaking message that she had ever received. “She is gone,” the text said. She hurriedly went back to the chapel again, not believing the seemingly impossible news. She cried so hard but, again, she chose to keep the news from her friends. When she went back to the Community Center, she learned that
her friends already knew. “I simply couldn’t believe it. I cried so hard that when we arrived at the hospital to confirm it, I had no more tears to shed,” she narrated. FEBIE REMEMBERS Kristelle as someone who never kept anger in her heart. She shared that Kristelle would
always forgive people, especially the ones she loved. She was the kind of friend who didn’t want those close to her heart to frown or to get sad. “I think of her as a responsibility but things have changed. It was more like I was her responsibility. We shared the same room in the dorm. Every morning, she would be my alarm clock.” There were also times when Kristelle would get mad at Febie because she’d cook food for her and Febie would refuse to eat. Febie added that Kristelle would always be ready to share something with other people. As a student, Kristelle has so much determination in her studies, Febie recalled. She wouldn’t go to sleep if her homework is still not finished. She was the type of student who learned quickly. She would also always fight for what she knows and for what she believes is right especially if it was for her class or for her friends. Despite all her difficulties, she would always have the heart to smile. Febie recounts what Kristelle once said in Ilonggo, “Ma-study gid ko tarong para maka-intern ko” (I’d study really hard so that I can join the internship). As an evidence of Kristelle’s perseverance, Febie mentioned her copies of Pharmacy notes plastered on the wall just beside her bed. “Every night before, I can hear her voice. She was always memorizing some medical terms,” she recalled. Kristelle always dreamt of being a doctor and a fashion model, as stated in their yearbook. She also promised her younger sister that she would take care of her expenses for school. But she is gone now. The whole of Davao mourns for its loss but the grief of those who were dearest to her is louder than the blast that took her away. Just when everything seemed to be glowing for Kristelle and for the night market, at 10:20 p.m. of Sept. 2, the blast ended the lives of some, injured many and consumed those who were left alive with fear, anxiety, and confusion. When most can hardly see justice and peace, these time are the times most must stay upright. It is difficult to feel safe again when every time people walk the streets, they fear that a bomb may go off and the blood of the innocent, like that of Kristelle’s, may stain the streets once more. Somehow, Davao is alleviated by the tighter security measures implemented, the ongoing investigation, the military’s deployment of extra army battalions, and most of all, the faith of the people. This is the closest the city can get to justice and safety so far – and from this, Davaoeños will try to stand up again
Before the Bombing Before the untimely death of a 17-year-old student, Kristelle Decolongon shared rich memories with her family and friends. Photo from Kristelle Decolongon’s Facebook account and prosper once more.