FAMILIES of victims of the 2016 Roxas Night Market bombing marked the 10th anniversary by laying flowers and lighted candles at the memorial site on Wednesday, September 2.
The bombing incident on the night of September 2, 2016, took the lives of 15 individuals and injured 68, according to records from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte reiterated the local government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the commemoration.
“Dili man gyud nato matagna nganong naa’y mga ingon ani nga hitabo. Pero siguro, at some point sa usa ka society o sa nasod, ‘di man gyud na hapsay tanan dayon,” Duterte said.
He called on the Dabawenyos to observe mutual respect, adhere to laws, and avoid division.
“Ang akong gusto sa inyo nga mga Dabawenyo, magbinut-anay lang ta, tumanon lang ta’g balaod, kaniya gugmahan lang ninyo ang isig-katawo,” he stressed.
While the commemoration was observed solemnly, Duterte lashed out at the national administration over the ongoing conflict.
The city is facing criticisms amid statements calling Davao City an “epicenter” of flood control controversies even before the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Palace press officer Usec Claire Castro also emphasized the flooding issue in Davao City at the Aug. 27 press briefing.
“Kaya nga po sumobra ang baha sa Davao City. Hindi nagpatumpik-tumpik ang pangulo at Secretary Dizon na tulungan na ang Davao City dahil malubha na rin po ang baha sa Davao,” she said.
The mayor, on the other hand, said that he does not want Davaoeños insulted.
“Ako, mayor ninyo, pasagde ninyo nga, dili man ko mababa nga tawo. Di man ko pwede pod nga dili ko mosukol og insultohon mo nga mga taga-Davao. Pero trabaho ‘to namo kay gobyerno man mi, ang away naa man diha, pareha ana karon national man ug diri sa lokal, bisan didto ang baha, diri daw gikan ang tubig,” he stressed in his message.
Meanwhile, Julie Dayaday, CSWDO chief, reported ongoing government assistance and social services for affected families remain active, particularly educational support for surviving dependents.
“Basta gusto lang sila motuon, gusto sila magpadayon, ang City Government of Davao magpadayon gihapon og hatag og suporta sa ilaha,” the Dayaday stated.
The city supports 28 beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in high school and college programs, while seven students have already graduated from college.
Under the financial assistance, high school and senior high school students receive P10,000 per year, while college students receive P20,000 per year.
On top of the educational assistance, Dayaday stressed the office supports the left-behind family in terms of employment, provided they qualify with the requirements.
Among those supported is Nicole Larida, a scholar under the city’s educational initiative who lost relatives in the tragedy.
After earning a degree in Information Technology, she was hired as an administrative staff member overseeing CCTV compliance for private establishments under the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO).
“Nageskwela pa ko’g college, scholarship nga gihatag sa mga Duterte is ang Tulong Dunong, which is nakatabang jud siya’g maayo nga na-lessen among expenses,” she shared. “Thank God na karon nakasulod ko sa PSSO, public servant na ko, naa na’y trabaho.”
For family members of those lost, the commemoration served as a reminder of both their loss and the path to forgiveness.
Dennis Larida, who lost her wife and son in the attack, recalled attending the 2019 court hearings in Manila where perpetrators were convicted.
“Wala man nako nasulti sa ilaha in front sa katong pito ka [suspects], pero in front sa Ginoo ingon nako, ‘Lord, gipasaylo na nako sila,'” he recalled.
IN September 2020, Judge Marivic Vitor of the Regional Trial Court Branch 266 in Taguig handed down the decision finding the accused TJ Tagabaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, Musali Mustapha, Jessy Vincent Guinto Original, Zack Haron Lopez, Jackson Mangulamas Usi, and Ausa Abdullah Mamasapano “guilty beyond reasonable doubt for multiple murder and multiple attempted murder”.
The individuals were ordered to pay damages to the families of the deceased and the injured victims and sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
