President Duterte has warned the public against possible “more blasts” following the bombing in a crowded market in Davao City recently.
The President, however, assured that there will be a day of reckoning against those involved in the blast that left more than a dozen people dead.
Duterte said authorities are already pursuing leads in the investigation of the Davao blast but declined to reveal details for security purposes.
“It’s a matter of national security but I said, I guarantee you: There will be a day of reckoning,” the President said in a press conference upon his arrival from his trips to Laos and Indonesia early yesterday morning. “There will be more because of retaliations, reprisals. But there will be maybe more blasts,” he added.
The President earlier declared a state of national emergency on the account of lawless violence in Mindanao shortly after the Davao explosion. Under the proclamation, Duterte has authorized additional deployment of military and police on the streets and public places to suppress lawless violence.
Duterte said he does not need “additional power” to ensure peace and order in the country. He said he would just employ the existing powers of the presidency, including calling out the military to augment the police force in suppressing lawless violence.
Duterte said he would consult with the military and police if Davao City would be considered a venue of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit next year. “That will depend on the security of Davao City. I would have to listen to the military and the police for an accurate assessment. We do not want any bloody thing here,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
