My heart is bleeding. I just woke up to the news that our city was bombed.

A famous Night Market was bombed last night. This place is being frequented by Davaoenos from all walks of life. It, being in downtown area, walking distance to Marco Polo, Aldevinco Shopping Center and Ateneo De Davao University , people flock there to buy “ukay-ukay” and other goodies that are offered in many of the stalls.

I am sad for the victims and their families for this senseless killing.  I pray that God’s love will be upon you in this very difficult moment.

I feel bad for those who commented that Davao City is not a safe place after all. Why on earth would someone say that at a time like this? That is insensitive , careless and inconsiderate. One of the people working for us is still in the ICU now. Shrapnel of the bomb went through his hands and legs. And he is still bleeding as of this writing.  So yes, your comments are thoughtless.

What happened was a very strong message for the President, who hails from Davao City. A message that Davaoenos will suffer if he does not stop what he is doing.

In our subconscious, I think everybody has been expecting this. Considering the manhunt that the military is doing against the Abu Sayyaf group as per the order of the President. And of course, the war on drugs , that the Philippines is famous for these days on the news.

Whoever is behind this bomb attack, God bless you. True, I condemn what you did. That is the human side of me. But at the end of the day, you are answerable for your actions to God. He saw what you did. And you will be punished for it, in God’s time.

To all Davaoenos, let us be more cautious and be vigilant at all times. Let us not be scared. And let us not allow ourselves to become prisoners of fear. It  means then that the enemies won. No, let us not give them that satisfaction. Let us continue to be strong in facing these atrocities. And let us pray for God’s protection and guidance.

To the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, please take care sir. They were not able to take you down in their assassination plot against you. So they took the lives of the Davaoenos instead, knowing how hurt you will be. Continue to be the strength of the Filipino people. We are behind you all the way.

And to the rest of the world, please pray for Davao and the rest of the Philippines.

Thank you.