DAVAO CITY — Davao Del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib is fully supporting the recently approved Anti-Terrorism Bill saying it will provide security among people especially in the countryside and will spur economic development in the center.
“We are supporting the bill because we need it to protect our people against the threat of terrorism. The people of my province has a long history of pain, agony, and even death in the hands of the terrorist. We cannot have investor confidence if our people live in fear and in threat. We have had enough- we need it to promote economic growth and provide our people the emotional and security comfort,” Jubahib told Newsline in vernacular.
Jubahib said he called on the City Mayors and Municipal Mayors of his province to hear their position on the bill before they came up with a manifesto of support.
“Terrorism, in all its attributes, is definitely one against the flow of development and we deeply abhor such acts that impede us to grow and progress as a society and as an economic unit,” he said in a statement Sunday.
“As a Mindanaoan raised and made aware of the longstanding history of violence and armed conflicts in this part of the country, I see the enduring value of maintaining peace and order to the community and of bringing to the fore of justice those who have nothing good but to sow and spread extraordinary fear and aggravation among our populace,” Jubahib added.
On Tuesday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Filipinos should be protected from an enemy “that does not have any regard for life, that only has death and destruction on their minds”.
“The history of Davao City has been marred by senseless and violent terrorist acts that have cost the lives of Davaoeños. It is a painful reminder as we continue to strive for the peace and security of Davao and the people,” Mayor Sara said.
The Anti-Terrorism Bill has been transmitted to the Office of the President for signature.-Editha Z. Caduaya