Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare communication letter to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, extending his sincere apology to the victims of the Davao City blast. The letter was sent via an electronic mail to the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines on September 4, 2016. The staff from the Office of the President of the Philippines welcomed the letter, which is a sign that there is a mutual interest to a certain social issue affecting a nation who has just been bombarded with terrorism.
As based on the letter, the Chinese President, along with the other officials of the People's Republic of China were "shocked to learn of the terrorist explosion incident in Davao City, Philippines". In behalf of the Chinese government and the People's Republic with the president's name, President Xi Jinping expressed his condolence to the victims including the families of the recent Davao City bombings. This is probably the first time that the People's Republic of China expressed their sympathy towards the Philippines after a horrific incident that terrorized the whole country.
 |
| People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping sent a letter of condolences to the victims of Davao City bombing through the Office of the President of the Philippines |
The last statement of the letter indicates that the Chinese president would like Rodrigo Duterte to accept his deepest condolences with the assurances of his highest consideration. Of course, who are we to resist this rare opportunity that a head of state from other country initiated to extend their condolences to the affected individuals and families of Davao City bombings? This means that the People's Republic of China is also concerned with the recent shortcomings to the Philippines due to the threat of terrorism.
The Office of the President announced the letter of condolence from China through the Office of the Presidential communications. China's expression of condolence to the Philippines shows an indicative sign that the relations between China and the Philippines are slowly improving, even if the two countries have different point of views regarding the issue of South China Sea. As based on the statement, China is ready to work together with the international community to jointly combat terrorism.
 |
| President of the People's republic of China's official letter of condolence to the victims of Davao City Bombing |
The letter indicates that Duterte can seek assistance from China to combat terrorism, especially that there are several groups that are responsible for the recent terror attacks in the Philippines. These are mainly the Abu Sayyaf bandits, Maute group, and other sympathizers of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). Most Islamist Jihadist groups are concentrated in the island of Mindanao, sparking security threats across the country.
Davao City was rocked by an explosion on the evening of September 2, 2016. There were at least 14 lives that were lost and more than 70 individuals injured. Abu Sayyaf is now blamed for the explosion in Roxas night market in Davao City. However, due to politicking, the issue in Davao City bombing is used to create a tirade against the capabilities of the Philippine government to contain the situation in Davao and other parts of the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced a state of lawlessness in order to deploy police and armed forces across the Philippines. This is to prevent future atrocities initiated by terrorist groups haunting communities and urban areas across the country. Checkpoints are now deployed to screen all motorists along the road as well as to all ports and terminals across the country.
Since Abu Sayyaf was responsible for publicizing their mode of execution that intimidates the public, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits. The group has a strong 400 to 500 members responsible for kidnappings and executing their captives whenever a ransom was never settled.
