Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has urged national authorities and the public to avoid sweeping conclusions following reports linking an isolated overseas shooting incident in Australia to a person reportedly originating from Davao City, emphasizing that such a case should not be used to cast a negative light on the entire region.
In a statement released this week, Governor Tamayo stressed that the incident, which occurred outside the country, should be treated as an individual and isolated case, rather than being framed as a reflection of the peace and order situation in Mindanao or the surrounding regions.
He noted that preliminary narratives circulating online and in some informal discussions risk misrepresenting the realities on the ground. “The region has worked hard to maintain peace, stability, and cooperation among communities,” Tamayo said. He pointed out that, “It would be unfair and inaccurate to associate an isolated act committed abroad with the overall condition of our people and local governments.”
The governor announced plans to formally send a letter to concerned national agencies, requesting that other angles and contextual factors be considered in any ongoing assessments or public discussions related to the incident. According to Tamayo, this move aims to ensure that conclusions are evidence-based and do not undermine years of progress in peacebuilding and development.
Governor Tamayo highlighted that the region is currently on track to be declared insurgency-free, marking a significant milestone after decades of conflict-related challenges. He credited sustained collaboration between local government units, security forces, civil society organizations, and community leaders for the improved security environment.
“Our province and neighboring areas are experiencing economic growth, increased investments, and a stronger sense of normalcy,” stressing that, “Labeling the region as somehow connected to ‘evil’ or violence because of one isolated case overseas is not only misleading but also damaging to the morale of our people.”
Local officials echoed the governor’s sentiments, warning that generalized associations can contribute to stigma against Mindanaoans, particularly overseas Filipino workers and migrants. Several leaders emphasized that criminal acts, regardless of where they occur, should be addressed through proper legal processes and individual accountability.
