By JOVILAND RITA, GMA News Published February 21, 2021 2:09pm National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. once again defended the inclusion of Davao City in the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the anti-insurgency council with an allocation of P1.6 billion. In making his point for Davao City's inclusion in the BDP, Esperon cited economic activities, size of landmass, rural areas, and the presence of armed rebel groups in Davao Region that is supposedly threatening the city. “The fact remains that there are numerous isolated and remote barangays within the city. Hence, with the large land area of Davao City, there still is a need for development and infrastructure for its growth,” Esperon said in a statement on Sunday.