House leaders condemn Davao City blast

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Sunday, September 4, issued a resolution condemning the deadly Davao City blast.

The resolution stated that the House condemns “in the strongest possible terms the dastardly terrorist attack” which killed 14 people and wounded more than 60 others at the Roxas Night Market late Friday, September 2. 

Authored by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, the resolution also aims to extend “deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who were killed and injured.”

It also “expresses support to President Rodrigo Duterte in his efforts to prevent or suppress lawless violence in the country.”

LOOK:House condemns “in the strongest possible terms the dastardly terroristic attack in Davao City” @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/xPZx1bCGCL

— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) September 4, 2016

Duterte, on Saturday, September 3, placed the entire Philippines under a state of lawlessness. 

He said that the declaration was to ensure “coordinated efforts” among authorities such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the government’s fight against terrorism and illegal drugs. (READ: What’s a ‘state of lawlessness’?)

The leadership of the House, in the resolution, added that they “stand in solidarity with the people of Davao and the whole country in bringing to justice all those involved in the planning and execution” of the attack. (READ: Lawmakers condemn Davao blast, reaffirm support for Duterte)

The PNP confirmed on Saturday that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). Davao regional police, meanwhile, said they are tracking down 4 “persons of interest.” (For updates on the Davao blast, check Rappler’s live blog) – Rappler.com