MANILA, Philippines - "We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident."
This is the strong statement of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara on Saturday after the Davao City market blast at 10:20 p.m. on Roxas Street Friday night that leaved at least 14 people dead and more than 60 injured.
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Inday Sara also expressed her sympathy and has offered assistance for the affected families.
"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of those who died last night."
"I would also like to reassure all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses."
The mayor also announced that a memorial be be held at the explosion site at 4:00 p.m today.
"There will be a memorial at 4:00 this afternoon at the explosion site. Everybody is welcome to say their prayer, lay their flowers and light a candle for those who passed."
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the cause of the explosion is still unverified.
"While no one has yet claimed responsibility it is best that the populace refrain from reckless speculation and avoid crowded places. There is no cause for alarm, but it is wise to be cautious."
Philippines under "state of lawless violence"
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday morning has declared "state of lawless violence" in the country following the incident.
The declaration is rooted in Article VII, Section 18 of the constitution, which reads: "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion."
The Palace clarified that the declaration is limited such that he can only call out the armed forces to suppress the lawless violence.
It is a different case from the existence of invasion or rebellion. Only if there is invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it, can he suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law.
"In the spirit of unity and love of country, let us remain alert to the activities of those who wish to create chaos, and prayerfully agree for Peace to reign in the land," Duterte said.
"It takes courageous and united people, who complain less and do more, to build the nation we dream of and deserve," Digong added.
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| Explosion in Davao City night market on September 2 left at least 14 dead and dozens injured. Photo Credit: Fr. Jboy Gonzales |
RELATED STORY
VIDEO: Explosion hits Davao City night market
Inday Sara also expressed her sympathy and has offered assistance for the affected families.
"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of those who died last night."
"I would also like to reassure all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses."
The mayor also announced that a memorial be be held at the explosion site at 4:00 p.m today.
"There will be a memorial at 4:00 this afternoon at the explosion site. Everybody is welcome to say their prayer, lay their flowers and light a candle for those who passed."
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the cause of the explosion is still unverified.
"While no one has yet claimed responsibility it is best that the populace refrain from reckless speculation and avoid crowded places. There is no cause for alarm, but it is wise to be cautious."
Philippines under "state of lawless violence"
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday morning has declared "state of lawless violence" in the country following the incident.
The declaration is rooted in Article VII, Section 18 of the constitution, which reads: "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion."
The Palace clarified that the declaration is limited such that he can only call out the armed forces to suppress the lawless violence.
It is a different case from the existence of invasion or rebellion. Only if there is invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it, can he suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law.
"In the spirit of unity and love of country, let us remain alert to the activities of those who wish to create chaos, and prayerfully agree for Peace to reign in the land," Duterte said.
"It takes courageous and united people, who complain less and do more, to build the nation we dream of and deserve," Digong added.
