Who’s really behind Davao blast? Investigation continues

Authorities continue to investigate the bombing attack in Davao City last Friday that killed 14 people, including children, and wounded 71 others and prompted President Duterte to place the country under a state of lawlessness that gave the military a bigger role in restoring order. 

While the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, investigators continue to look into other possible angles and the capability of other groups to launch such an attack.

There are speculations that the bombing could also have been the handiwork of powerful drug lords who want to divert the administration’s attention from the all-out war on illegal drugs by staging such an attack and blaming it on terrorist groups.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) strongly condemned the act of terror at the Roxas Night Market in Davao City as nationwide indignation over it continues.

“This act of cowardice, which targeted the lives of innocent civilians and sought to foster fear in people, has no place in any society, “ the MBC statement said.

Senators were one in calling for unity amid the terrorist attack.

The Department of Tourism said that despite the attack, Davao City remains a safe place as it expressed the capability of the country’s security forces to safeguard the city’s citizens and visitors alike.

The President initially declared the “state of lawlessness” in Davao City but expanded it to cover the entire country, authorizing the police and military to conduct security searches in cars and frisk individuals at checkpoints.

He clarified that the “state of lawlessness” is not martial law and does not involve the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

There is a big difference between “state of lawlessness” and martial law, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza added.

“State of lawlessness under the constitutional provision is separate and apart from the powers to declare martial law or suspend the priivilege of the writ of habeas corpus,” he said.

“State of lawlessness merely calls out the military or the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do law-enforcement operations normally done only by the Philippine National Police. Precisely to suppress lawless violence. It is to complement and supplement the capability of the PNP. It does not suspend some rights,” Dureza said.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said the President ‘s declaration of a “state of lawlessness” was legal and constitutional.

“The power of the President to declare a state of lawlessness is legally justified under his constitutional authority to faithfully execute the laws, protect the people from lawless and criminal elements, not to mention the rampant killings, and the ISIS threat to commit terrorism,” Aguirre said. “It is not martial law because the military is not being called to replace civilian authority. Civil liberties are not impaired. In other words, it is just a declaration of a state or condition of lawlessness, nothing more.”

Aguirre noted that the state of lawlessness can be validated by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), given the rampant killings, terrorist acts, the entry of Islamic State elements and the seizure of smuggled M-16 rifle parts.

He said that because of this declaration, the military and the police can legally set up checkpoints.

MBC also offered condolences to the families of the victims of the bombing.

“We are one with them in their time of grief and we pray for the speedy recovery of all those still healing from their injuries,” MBC said.

“It is during these dark times that the compassion and courage of the Filipino shine through. Hate, violence, and fear must not be allowed to reign in the country. We urge our countrymen to remain calm, but vigilant; and we call on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and order in a swift, but humane manner.

“The Filipino has demonstrated time and time again that unity and bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds are the most effective responses to adversity. Let our firm but sober response to these threats show that we are not afraid and we will fight for a peaceful, free, and safe country,” MBC said in its statement.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo expressed sympathies for those who suffered loss and injury in the explosion and echoed the nation’s expression of outrage.

She also expressed confidence that the President and the nation’s security forces were capable of bringing the perpetrators to justice, managing the aftermath and preventing any more attacks in any part of the country.

“The quick and professional response and action of our police, armed forces and security groups show that Davao is well-prepared for contingencies, including isolated attacks like this bombing,” Teo said. “The President is making inroads in his campaign against lawlessness and terrorism and we are united with him in his pursuit of peace in Mindanao and throughout the country.”

She also urged Filipinos to show that terrorism has no place in their society and should not deter people from doing normal activities.

The tourism industry also expressed support for the call of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for unity and vigilance and urged everyone to cooperate in regular security precautions.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella also pointed to the constitutional backing on Mr. Duterte’s declaration.

He said it is rooted in Article VIII Section 18 of the Constitution which reads: “The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all 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.”

Abella said the declaration is limited such that the Chief Executive can only call out the Armed Forces to suppress the lawless violence.

“It is a different case from the existence of invasion or rebellion. Only if there is invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it, can he suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law,” he added.

The Palace official called on the people to “remain alert to the activities of those who wish to create chaos and prayerfully agree for peace to reign in the land”.

“It takes a courageous and united people who complain less and do more to build the nation we dream of and deserve,” he said.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and cowardly attack last night against the peace-loving people of Davao City,” Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said in a statement.

He said there is “no excuse” to hurt and kill civilians who were simply enjoying a night out. The attack happened at the Roxas night market near Ateneo de Davao University.

“My prayers are with the victims of the terrorist attack and their families,” he added, vowing that the Senate will be supportive in achieving justice.

Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan called for the cooperation of all sectors, coordination of the police and military with local governments, and political unity among officials while having eternal vigilance.

“Let us all pray for our safety and everyone should rally under our flag and behind our national and local leaders,” Honasan said.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, meanwhile, reprimanded netizens who mocked the President for repeatedly standing by his claim that Davao is a safe city.

“The irony is that we Filipinos are known for our warmth and hospitality, but politics brings out the worse and insensitivity of some,” Ejercito said. “This is not the time to mock the President but rather during tragedies like this, we should rally behind him. Friends, a tragedy happened in Davao. We should be united in situations like this.”

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said that alongside probing the cause of the attacks, victims and their families should be extended the necessary aid.

“This act of terrorism is unacceptable. We must bring to justice those responsible for the killing of innocent people and ensure that similar barbaric acts will not happen in the future,” Aquino said.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also offered prayers for the victims and their families and asked police and other authorities to assure that those responsible for the attacks will be held accountable.

“We urge our law enforcers to get to the bottom of this cowardly act of terrorism and ensure that those responsible are held to account,” Pangilinan said. PNA