DAVAO CITY—Davaoeños are now wearing “anti-terrorism pins” as the Task Force Davao launched its “No to Terror” advocacy on Monday during the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall here.
Task Force Davao commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri said using the pin is a sign that Davaoeños stand up and are united in the fight against terrorism.
“After that incident on September 2, we emphasized that we have to raise the level of awareness and vigilance of the people against terrorism,” Neri said.
Suspected terrorists bombed the Roxas Night Market here just as longtime city mayor Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency, leaving 15 people dead.
“Security forces can’t do this alone, so we need the help of the community,” Neri added.
Davao resident Kent Jason Capute, 34, said he fully supports the antiterrorism campaign for the safety of civilians like him.
“I want the other people to see that we Davaoeños are standing against terrorism and it can never bring us down. Through this we will be more vigilant to have a safer city,” he said.
Neri also called on businesses to replicate the pins and put it on their employees to show unity within the city.
Last month, the Task Force Davao conducted an anti-terrorism seminar for barangay officials to let their constituents know what they need to do to detect and capture terrorists.
Neri said they have been asking vehicle owners to let their windows down and open their compartments for security purposes.
Since President Duterte declared the entire country under the state of lawless violence in the wake of the bombing, security forces can look thoroughly at all vehicles entering the city.