DAVAO CITY (Updated)-- President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of lawlessness in the entire country effective today, September 3, but cautioned that this is not a declaration of martial law.
On Friday night, September 2, a bomb exploded in a busy night market area on corner Padre gomez, Roxas Avenue, Davao City, killing 14 people and injuring 60.
"I am declaring state of lawlessness nationwide effective today (Saturday, September 3)," Duterte said.
The President explained that it will not be martial law, but he emphasized that more military movements will be implemented.
Based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the President has the authority "to call in the military to act as police support in cases of terrorist attacks or such violent conflicts."
He added that Davao City will be locked down and there will be massive checkpoints.
The President said the Davao explosion is not an isolated case, adding the government is expecting similar incidents in other areas in the country.
"These are extraordinary times and I suppose I am allowed to authorize security forces to do searches," he said.