By Caesar Vallejos
EBC Correspondent
Businessmen, through the statement of the Makati Business Club (MBC), strongly condemned the blast that killed 14 people and injured 67 others at the Roxas night market in Davao City calling it a horrific act of terror.
“This act of cowardice, which targeted the lives of innocent civilians and sought to foster fear in people, has no place in any society,” the statement said.
Earlier reports mention that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has claimed responsibility for the blast. But recent pronouncements of Abu Ramie, spokesperson of the notorious group, pointed to its ally behind the deadly explosion.
The bomb attack, according to the report, was only the start of similar attacks in retaliation of the military’s pressure to the group. About 9,000 troops are now pursuing the bandits.
The MBC group emphasized that “hate, violence, and fear must not be allowed to reign in the country.” It encouraged Filipinos to have their compassion and courage shine through these dark times.
“We urge our countrymen to remain calm, but vigilant; and we call on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and order in a swift, but humane manner,” the MBC said.
“Unity and bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds are the most effective responses to adversity.” The MBC pointed out that the Filipino has demonstrated this time and time again.
Businesses including the tourism industry may be adversely affected by the Davao blast. The governments of Australia, Canada and Singapore have issued travel alerts to their citizens, cautioning them of a high threat of terrorist attacks across the Philippines.
MBC, being one of the influential voices of Philippine business, said that “let our firm but sober response to these threats show that we are not afraid and we will fight for a peaceful, free, and safe country.”