PNP chief: Davao blast culprits may hit other cities

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday night said perpetrators of the deadly Davao City blast may also hit the country's other major cities.

"Posible 'yan. They are able to do it here in Davao, why not in other cities?" Dela Rosa said at a press conference when asked if other cities in the country are being targeted by terror groups.

He added: "Kaya nga we are encouraging the vigilance of all the Filipinos. We don't want you to panic, we want to to stay calm. At the same time we want you to be vigilant and be alert of our surroundings."

The PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines went on full alert after President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire country under a state of lawlessness. The declaration was made by the President hours after the bombing in his home city on Friday night, which left 14 people dead and 67 others wounded.

Dela Rosa said during the press conference that they suspect local terror group Abu Sayyaf to be behind the attack due to the ongoing military offensive against the group in Sulu.

He said they suspect the Abu Sayyaf "want us to become defensive."

"That is what we are suspecting. To stop the pressure that they have been experiencing in Sulu and Basilan right now. This might be a diversionary tactic para ma-stop yung pressure dun sa kanila and divert tayo from being offense," he said.

The armed forces started the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf after it was ordered by Duterte to "destroy" the group.

Dela Rosa, however, said that they cannot make a definite declaration that the Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the attack pending results of post-blast investigations. He said the bomb used in the attack was an improvised explosive device and a mortar round was most likely used as the main charge.

3 persons of interest, 8 witnesses

The PNP chief said their operatives are seeking three "persons of interest" in the blast, including two women and a man.

During the same press conference, Davao region police director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said they are using testimonies of at least eight witnesses in the investigation.

Gaerlan, meanwhile, said the police are trying to push Davao City back to normalcy after the deadly blast.

"We are doing out best to keep Davao City as normal as possible," Gaerlan said.

He said increased police visibility and police patrols are being implemented in the city to avoid another attack.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte had said in an interview on 24 Oras that the Roxas Night Market will open on Saturday night. She made the announcement after a memorial Mass held near the blast site for the victims.

Mayor Duterte also said that "business will continue in Davao City" despite the attack. —Jessica Bartolome/ALG, GMA News