President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a State of Lawlessness across the country.
Malacanang first stated on Monday morning that the declaration covers only Mindanao but before noon, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar updated the announcement and said, the declaration takes effect in the entire country.
The explosion on Friday night in Davao City’s market killed 14 persons and wounded at least 66.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella says, the basis for the declaration of State of Lawlessness is based on Article VII Section 8 of the Constitution, which reads:
“The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all the 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 declaration is limited such that he can only call out the armed forces to suppress the lawless violence.”