The Davao blast Friday evening shook the entire country. The cause of the explosion still remains unknown, but it has killed 14 people and injured 71 others in a crowded market.
President Rodrigo Duterte is already calling it an attack of terrorism, and declared a “state of lawlessness,” which means that the armed forces will suppress lawless violence. The Philippine News Agency clarified that it is not martial law.
Meanwhile, Davao City mayor Sara Duterte swiftly responded to the incident, saying that the city government will cover the expenses of those who passed away and who are injured. In a statement on Facebook, she said, “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 full statement, released on the City Government of Davao City Facebook page yesterday morning, reads:
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.
I am sorry for what happened.
I would like to remind other officials to stay within the bounds of their official duties according to their position. Please leave me in peace to do my job and I’ll leave you to focus on your own work.
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.
Let us remain vigilant, please report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
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.
Thank you.
What can be done to prevent this from happening again? Share your thoughts below.
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