DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio apologized to all the victims and survivors of the September 2, 2016 Roxas Night Market blast in a message after commemorative mass Thursday afternoon, August 31.
"I am sorry that it happened. I am sorry that we have to do this every year. We have to remember those who passed and you have to relive the tragedy every year and some of you have wounds that need to be treated and taken care of, and I am truly sorry you had to go through it and rest assured that we are doing our best, the Davao City Government," Duterte-Carpio said before the blast victims.
She admitted that she did not attend the mass for the 40th Day of the bombing last year and have refused to give a message and stand before the victims because she was ashamed and embarrassed that the incident had to happen in her term.
Duterte-Carpio also said that she is grateful as a city mayor for all the people who stood by her side and gave her strength during trying times.
"When I get into trouble like the incident in July 2011 where 30 people died, and after that there is an incident with the Sheriff, and this Roxas night market bombing, every time there is an incident, even those who do not like me, all of you helped me and I do not feel alone every time there is a problem because I feel that everyone gathers together, helping each other, and help me go through it," she said.
She also thanked the national offices who assisted the victims.
The commemoration mass was held at Roxas Night Market bombing marker and was presided by Archbishop Romulo Valles.
It was attended by various officials from the Davao City Government, family of the victims and survivors of the blast.