A Regional Trial Court in Taguig convicted the seven suspects responsible for the Roxas Night Market bombing in Davao City on September 2, 2016.
Taguig RTC Branch 266 Judge Marivic Victor sentenced with reclusion perpetua for the complex crime of murder and attempted murder TJ Tagabaya, Wendel Apostol Facturan, Musali Urbano Mustapha, Jessy Vincent Guinto Original, Zack Haron Lopez, Jackson Mangulamas Usi, and Ausa Abdullah Mamasapano.
Aside from life imprisonment, the accused were also ordered to jointly pay Php 5.25 million to families of the 15 casualties and additional Php 10.35 million to the 69 injured.
The Taguig court has already issued warrants of arrest for other suspects who remain free.
Families of victims welcomed the court decision. “Ito ay nagpapakita na may hustisya pa rin dito sa ating bansa kahit pa man medyo matagal bago nakagawa ng desisyon (It only shows that there is still justice in the country despite the long time it took before arriving at a decision),” PCapt. Omelito Sobrecarey stated.
Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte thanked the families of the victims for not giving up on their legal battle for four years which posed a tough challenge for the families.
The security sector said the incident should be a lesson to all Davaoeῆos.
“Sana naman ay i-practice natin palagi ang culture of security. Maging mapagmasid at mapagmatyag sa paligid (We should always practice culture of security. Always be vigilant and cautious),” DCPO Dir. PCol. Kirby John Kraft advised. – Report from Julius Pacot
