After Davao blast: 3rd Infantry Division troops on red alert

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has been placed on red alert status following the September 2 explosion at a night market in Davao City that killed at least 14 people and injured 67 others.

Brigadier General Harold Cabreros, 3rd ID commander, said the command’s troops, spread in Western and Central Visayas, are prepared to undertake any task that will be downloaded by the higher headquarters. He forewarned, though, the presence of military personnel in several identified areas in the next few days.

The move was apparently in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of “State of Lawlessness.” But Cabreros was quick to dismiss insinuations that that it will give a negative notion of being a prelude to the declaration of the martial law.

He cited that under the 1987 Constitution, the President is allowed to call on armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence where it differs with martial law. “As Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it is a different case from the existence of invasion or rebellion, when such conditions happen and when public safety requires it, can he suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law,” a statement from the 3ID said.

Cabreros also clarified there is nothing to worry about, as far as upholding of human rights is concenred.

“We have and will still act within the bounds of the law,” he assured the public.

Further, “the President himself said there’s no such thing as martial law and we will abide with that. We will instead tighten and maximize security within the area through increased security patrols in the known entry and exit points of the islands, vital installations, public places and occasional conduct of checkpoints with the joint effort with PNP counterparts to ensure safety of the people,” he added.

Cabreros said that, in time of crisis, the military’s primordial concern is the security and protection of the people.

But as the soldiers and other authorities work for a peaceful community, he also urged the active participation of the people by being more vigilant and alert to help them thwart occurrence of similar terrorist attacks.

He also asked the public’s cooperation and understanding as they mapped out and exercise security measures, particularly during checkpoints. After all, “security is not the sole responsibility of the military and police force but of everyone else,” he added.

Condemnation

Following the Davao bombing, local officials of Iloilo have issued condemnation statements about the incident. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of Iloilo City said: “I condemn in the strongest terms the recent bombing incident in Davao City that has caused damage to lives and property.”

The mayor added: “Iloilo City and the Ilonggos extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims. We stand side by side with Davao City in this tragic incident and we fully support the drive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to curtail lawlessness.”

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. also condemned what he labeled as a senseless violence and criminal act. “We join the victims and their families in their hour of grief and bereavement. But this should not deter the government from continue pursuing our quest for peace and to end lawless violence,” he added.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines—Western Visayas chapter also made censure on what it termed as an act of terrorism.

“The killing of unarmed citizens cannot be justified in any way. This is a tragedy close to home, and thus should urge Filipinos to stand in unison against those who sow fear and terror in the hearts of the public. We express our deepest condolences to the victims of the bombing, and we hope that they will see the light of justice as soon as possible,” the statement reads.  (FREEMAN)