We came from different cultures, different families, practice different religions, go to different schools, live different ways. We are so different in so many ways but there's one thing in common about us, WE ARE DABAWENYOS. And we are so proud of it.

Well, who wouldn't be? Davao is the only place in the country where I feel I am most safe. It's the only place where you can actually walk around downtown area in the wee hours of the morning while flaunting your most expensive gadget and not feel worried about it. Or where taxi drivers don't take advantage on you, especially when you're a tourist. Or where you can't spot a single smoker in the open (yep, health-wise, it's the safest). And yes, I can name more.

Although I am well aware that there are still cases of petty crimes like robbery, mauling, or gang riots in the slums or the outskirts of the city, but compared to all the other cities in the country, I can say that Davao is way safer, more peaceful, and the most livable city than any of them. That said, we give our kudos to our Davao Police, Task Force Davao, Davao SWAT Team, who are all vigilant and has shown great strength and efficiency in fighting crime; our Central 911 team (yep, the only one in the Philippines), with staffs well-trained, efficient, and fast enough to respond to emergency situations; and of course, The Punisher, the iron-hand, our only Mayor... Mayor Duterte.

The recent kidnap-for-random-shoot-out incident that happened two days ago has been the talk of the town. 3 kidnappers down, 1 arrested. And the kidnapped victim? Rescued and now safe at the hands of her family. The incident has drawn the the attention of citizens, media men, and I wouldn't be surprised, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Oh don't even make me begin with CHR's so-called "human rights", I also have qualms about it, but that deserves another post.

Anyway, I've been reading one article after another, watching news over and over (even though it's telling me the same old story). Yes, when it comes to issues regarding Davao, I am one of those who would take time to read, comment, discuss, speak out (this blog post for example), and waste a damn time bickering with trolls even though it looks unintelligent in a way.

Among all the articles that I have read, this one caught my attention: Duterte and the scary culture of impunity by Sher J. Urdaneta. Not that it was written brilliantly, but it is full of crap. I do not need to point out what's wrong with it. Take time to read the comments and you will know why. Rest assured, you will actually enjoy reading the comments more than the article itself. Anyway, back to why I'm blogging this, I just want to say, Miss Urdaneta, with all due respect, your claim to have spent all your life in Davao is apparently not true. How old are you then? Haven't you gotten past the infancy stage yet?

Calling the shootout incident as summary execution? Seriously, Ms. Urdaneta? I hope you didn't just write the article basing on what you've only read and heard on the news. Or worse, I hope the write up isn't politically motivated to make Davao, or our Mayor himself look bad. You're no different to CHR who meddles with the issue when they're actually not on the spot to back up their justification. Just like you, the CHR seems to be more concerned of the criminal's rights than of the victim's. Just like you, the CHR have also expressed their thoughts about the negativity of our Mayor's strong hand governance. Just like you, these CHR people are also not from Davao. And just like you, they blurt without even knowing what they're actually saying, for example...

CHR expressed death threats made by our city Mayor against criminals operating in the city. CHR chairperson Etta Rosales said that Duterte's threats are causing a state of insecurity among local residents due to fear of widespread violence and excessive use of force by government agents. (source)

I, who have actually spent my whole life in Davao, along with the real residents and citizens of Davao, have spoken and have shown full support to our Mayor and how he effectively runs the city. So I don't get where your and CHR's statements are coming from. My point here is, alam nyo ba ang mga pinagsasabi nyo?!

Whenever issues about Davao arise, expect supporters. A lot. You will raise the eyebrows of many, be bashed, judged, ridiculed, and dragged into the hot pits of the internet, especially if you speak out without knowing exactly what you're saying. I respect your freedom, and we, who have spoken have our freedom as well. May this be a lesson to you, and all the writers out there. That before you meddle and jump in the middle of controversies, Read, Research, and Think first before you say something, else you will feel the wrath of enraged citizens, not to mention, cyberbullies.

To all of you, like Ms. Urdaneta, who no longer feel safe because of the effective ways our Mayor does to eradicate crimes, you are free to leave. Like what our Mayor said, "If you are doing an illegal activity in my city, if you are a criminal or part of a syndicate that preys on the innocent people of the city, for as long as I am the mayor, you are a legitimate target of assassination.”

Davao: Life is here. Criminals, your life ends here.
Now tell me why would you not feel safe?