Public asked to stay calm, be vigilant

MANILA, Philippines – The public is asked to stay calm amidst the bombing that happened on Friday evening which led to the death of 14 persons and wounding scores of other civilians. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella before midnight said “an explosion of still unverified cause occurred at the Davao night market resulting to the death of at least 10 persons and around 60 people injured.”
He advised the public to avoid making speculations and avoid posting unfounded information on social media. “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.” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared a “State of lawless violence” in the entire country, to allow him, as Commander-in-Chief of the law enforcement units, to call on them to suppress lawlessness.
Abella said that attached to the declaration, there will be check-points to be established on various corners of the country, as a deterrent measure against the terror groups who sow criminality. “We ask everyone to cooperate. When passing a check-point, let us turn off our headlights and turn-on the light inside the vehicle to allow our law enforcers to perform their jobs.” Abella further said, “let us cooperate. It is for our own safety. The government is doing its best but the unity and cooperation of everybody is necessary to fight the terrorists and to cleanse the country of criminality.”
He also advised the public to be vigilant and to report to the authorities information about people sowing crimes. Earlier, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar confirmed that there are reports of assassination plots against President Duterte.
“Aside from efforts of the government troops to protect the President, it would even be better if the people could act as ‘neighborhood watch’ to gather information at the community level to help ensure his safety,” and allow him to pursue the programs beneficial for the nation and the future generation. The President has waged a war on illegal drugs and has ordered the military to destroy the Abu Sayyaf Group who do terroristic activities and victimizing even the innocent.