Director's Cut: (This portion features the thoughts of lawyer Alberto T. Escobarte, Ceso IV, Regional Director, DepEd-Davao to all stakeholders and recipients of the efforts to improve the basic education). "Let me assure you that in the performance of my official duties and even my private acts will be guided and guarded by my Oath of Office, The Panunumpang Kawaning Gobyerno, the Philippine Constitution and all the laws that govern our actions."
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AMIDST the recent bombing incident here in Davao that claimed more than a dozen victims, President Rodrigo Duterte assured that the city is safe and as a security measure declared the state of lawlessness for the safety of everyone. He clarified though that this is not similar to Martial Law.
The President emphasized that this is a police matter so he is letting the police handle the investigation. We Dabawenyos experienced this before and as resilient people, we were able to batter the storms of violence unscathed.
This is just a reminder for us to be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities for them to effectively secure the situations. We have to live a normal life without fear as a true believer of God dispels all elements of fear perpetuated by those with evil intents.
The President said that because of the threats against him and the people in government, he has to calibrate his moves very carefully and assured the people of Davao and the whole country that as humanly as possible, the government will protect everybody.
He told the people to just keep calm because the government is with us.
He added that these are extraordinary times and he is supposed to be allowed to authorize security forces to do searches. There will be lockdown of the city. There will be more checkpoints.
Her daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also expressed her deepest condolences to the families of those who died last night and reassured all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses.
She felt sorry for what happened. She reminded other officials to stay within the bounds of their official duties according to their position and asked them to leave her in peace to do her job and leave them to focus on their own work.
She encouraged the people to not be terrorized by this heinous crime and called on all Dabawenyos to unite and help each other rise from this senseless incident.
She reminded us to remain vigilant, report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem. A memorial was also offered to the victims, 4:00 PM of Sunday at the blast site.
National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has directed all commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be on high alert especially in urban centers for possible other terroristic act attempts by the terrorist group. The Eastern Command in Davao city has been directed to assist the PNP in maintaining peace and order in Davao City and in the apprehension of the perpetrators. They will also aid in gathering intelligence information and in conducting investigations to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident.
He also appealed to our citizens to remain calm but alert and vigilant, and cooperate with our security forces.
Police Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, PRO XI Director is assuring the public that the situation is being handled carefully. A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the explosion and checkpoints/chokepoints were already established at all exit points in the city. He said they call on all the people to be vigilant at all times and report to the police any suspicious packages or persons and to please refrain from creating/passing misleading or unverified reports to avoid confusion and panic.
This Corner hopes that this kind of untoward incident will be stopped immediately and that the authorities in cooperation with the vigilant citizenry will be able to apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible. May God help us!
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You can access DepEd Updates, latest issuances, photos and other relevant information through our website: http://www.deped.gov.ph and our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/deped.regionxi. For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, send your email to region11@deped.gov.ph. For queries, complains and other concerns for the different schools divisions email them to davao.city@deped.gov.ph, davao.delsur@deped.gov.ph, davao.delnorte@deped.gov.ph, tagum.city@deped.gov.ph, panabo.city@deped.gov.ph, igacos@deped.gov.ph, davao.oriental@deped.gov.ph, digos.city@deped.gov.ph, mati.city@deped.gov.ph and compostela.valley@deped.gov.ph.
