I have been leaving in Davao for most of my entire life. I have studied and worked in Manila for almost 6 years and with the recent happening of Sara Duterte punching a court sheriff leaving a lot of people outside from Davao judging whether it was right or wrong but in Davao, people here had a 62% rating saying that it was right. Why is it someone as Sara Duterte criticized by people that aren't from Davao as being a barbarian and "basagulero" but in Davao they see no wrong in doing it. Based on my experience is what I think.
Duterte (Rodrigo) has been the Mayor of Davao since 1988 with a few years not being one at some point. Since he was mayor, he had a reputation of being called "the punisher" by time magazine and has been criticized by both human rights and catholic groups even assumed of having a vigilante group called the Davao Death Squad (DDS). While I was growing up, I have seen many postings on the news paper and all were about the deaths of highly suspected rapists, murderers, drug addicts or pushers, kidnappers and other malicious form of criminals. So during the years of Mindanao labeled as being highly dangerous or crime infested, you can never hear anyone from Davao saying that Davao itself is dangerous but what they say is it's always safe. The Duterte's have kept the city from being infested with these things and have gained respect from the people. They have never been seen with any luxurious vices and they live a simple life helping the poor and giving them jobs and opportunities to make a living. It's true that Duterte is like an iron hand, very strict in disciplining people as long as it's right. I have heard on the news of some incidents and stories from friends how his system works and here are some of my experiences and stories.
One time, I can see them chasing a PUJ or taxi since they might cause an accident. They cut the vehicle from the front and he stepped out asking for the drivers license. He tore it in half scolding the driver and I remember him saying "Bantay lang kung kinsa tong ni hatag sa imo ug lisensya" (The one who gave you your license better be ready to answer).
Another incident was a kidnapping occurred, he found out were they hid the victim. In 2-3 days the kidnappers were found dead in their hiding place with the victim returned home safely.
A korean guy was teaching his kid to play golf. The child was still learning but the father kept hitting him in the head sometimes in some parts of the body with a golf club. You can hear the child sobbing but he saw it and tried to talk some sense. The Korean didn't know who he was so he answered back disrespectfully. He got pissed, he took a golf ball and slammed it on the koreans hand telling him not to hit kids since it was child abuse and hey it really hurts if you get hit with a golf club.
Now these are just some stories I have heard but you can see how his actions gets some respect from the community. They do not tolerate any violence and they always keep stability inside Davao. I admit the actions of Sara Duterte were wrong and she shouldn't have punched the sheriff but I do understand greatly why she did it so that no violence would break. As for the sheriff, I do believe he was only doing his job and did not deserve to be punched in the face four times but still why do the people from Davao agree that Sara Duterte did the right thing? Why are people like some media personnel misleading people to believe that she is wrong? Look at the video again, a riot erupted between the police and the rioters but when Duterte arrived they all stopped. It's not that they are afraid but it's because they showed respect for what the Duterte's have done. Imagine walking down the streets of Davao at night having a feeling of security. You don't have to be worried of being raped, kidnapped, robbed, or stabbed by some crazy drug addict. There are still so many things that Duterte has done for the city and I don't expect people outside of Davao to fully understand but as a person from Davao, I pride myself and I am proud to say that I am from Davao rather than from being called a pinoy. That single punch made by Sara Duterte just made our pride and nationality towards the city stronger and we will use that single punch as something to boast on people who disrespects us.
