Security concerns prevent Rody from rushing to blast site

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – No matter how much President Duterte wanted to rush to the Roxas night market that was rocked by an explosion late Friday night, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) prevented him from doing so for security reasons.

Duterte was prevailed upon to remain at the Davao City Police Office headquarters in Camp Leonor. He was only allowed to go to the blast site at 4:30 a.m. yesterday, six hours after the explosion.

The PSG also allowed the President to go around the hospitals later in the morning yesterday to check on the more than 70 people injured in the explosion. He promised to provide assistance to the victims.

A few hours after the blast, the Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Many believe that the explosion in Duterte’s home province Davao was aimed at sending him a message. The Abu Sayyaf earlier warned of possible attacks in retaliation for the President’s declaration of an all-out war against the bandit group.

With the assassination threat to Duterte and recent bombing in Davao City, the PSG further tightened the security matrix for the President and his family, especially after he launched a war on drugs targeting drug lords and even government and police officials.

“I requested that security of our children be intensified,” said Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, the President’s son.

Paolo also said that although security threat has been part of the lives of the Duterte family, they have always been on their toes.

With the assassination threat and the Davao blast, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar called on Filipinos to help protect the life of the President by being vigilant and help in gathering information at the community level, similar to what a neighborhood watch group usually does.

When asked to comment on the request of Paolo for additional security men, the President said it was normal “because he has many children.” – With Giovanni Nilles