Davao Bombings: Helpful Historical Background

Screengrab from Rappler.com

CHEERS TO Sun.Star Davao and Rappler for providing a timeline on previous bombings in Davao City in light of the recent attack that shook that city.

In an article published Sept. 3, Sun.Star Davao compiled a list of bombing incidents in Davao City since 1981 (“History of bombings in Davao City”). The paper listed seven bombing incidents, including the infamous Sasa bombings of 2003. The Sasa bombings, which were less than a month apart (March 4 at the Davao International Airport and April 2 at Sasa Wharf seaport), claimed at least 38 lives and injured 200 others. Sun.Star Davao also pointed out that none of the seven incidents were ever solved.

Rappler published a similar list on Sept. 4 (“A history of bombings in Davao City”).

Recalling past events similar to present ones helps the public assess the alarm raised by the recent attack compared to the previous ones, as well as the government response to each incident. It also provides a basis for comparing the response then with the present administration’s reaction of declaring a state of lawless violence and a national emergency.