President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of lawless violence few hours after a blast that ripped through a crowded night market here in Davao City Friday evening.
Speaking to the media early morning Saturday, Duterte said that the declaration would mean that there would be intense military and police presence and activities in accordance with the “orchestration of the national government”.
The last time a state of lawlessness was declared was back in 2003 after the twin bombings here in Davao City that hit the old Davao airport and Sasa wharf.
Duterte however clarified that the state of lawless violence is not a martial law declaration as there will be no curfews and no suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Duterte visited hospitals and funerals homes where the victims were brought and assured the victims and their families that the government would handle all their financial needs brought about by the explosion.
As of this morning, police authorities confirmed 14 deaths and 71 injuries from the explosion along Roxas Boulevard Friday evening. Ten died on the spot.
The Abu Sayyaf Group is reported to have claimed responsibility from the said explosion.
President Duterte admitted that they have been expecting retaliatory attacks from the Abu Sayyaf in light of the ongoing intense military operations in Sulu.
A doctor from the Southern Philippines Medical Center who requested anonymity claimed to have also received a text message warning him of an impending terrorist attack hours before the Roxas explosion.