DAVAO CITY – Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte told the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Wednesday to investigate the recent spate of killings in Tagum City, the provincial capital.
“I am deeply alarmed and disturbed by the recent spate of senseless killings in Tagum City. The cold-blooded and brutal murders of our fellow Dabaonon, especially young women, have left the entire province in a state of shock and mourning. This blatant disregard for human life is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” Jubahib said in a statement he issued on Wednesday.
Jubahib urged “the SP led by Vice-Governor De Carlo Uy to promptly investigate these heinous crimes, identify the root causes of this violence, and develop effective solutions to restore peace in the area.”
The governor noted that among those recent victims were two young female residents, the18-year old Nike Andyriana Kasim and the nine-year old Grade 1 pupil Monalisa Pagharion.
The body of Kasim – reported missing for three days – was discovered in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Magugpo North on April 25 while the decomposing body of Pagharion was found in a grassy area in Barangay Apokon on April 20.
“The safety and well-being of our constituents in Tagum City is of utmost importance,” Jubahib said.
The governor said “the SP, as the provincial legislative body, has the authority and responsibility to address such pressing issues.”
“I strongly urge the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to immediately convene and initiate a comprehensive and impartial probe into these killings, in order to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable for their heinous actions,” Jubahib said.
Jubahib assured the public that his administration would take all necessary measures to prevent further incidents and ensure that those responsible for the recent killings are brought to justice.
