Rody warns of more bomb attacks, urges nation to be vigilant
President Duterte is warning the public against the possibility of more bomb attacks after the Davao City night market explosion a week ago. But he assured there will be a “day of reckoning” against those involved in the blast that left more than a dozen people dead and about 70 others lying in hospital beds, some still in critical condition.
“There will be more because of retaliations, reprisals. But there will be maybe more blasts,” he said
in a press conference upon arrival from his trips to Laos and Indonesia early yesterday.
Duterte said authorities are pursuing good leads on the suspects but declined to reveal more details.
“It’s a matter of national security but I said, I guarantee you: There will be a day of reckoning,” he added.
The President had earlier declared a state of national emergency on the account of lawlessness in Mindanao shortly after the Davao explosion. Under the proclamation, Duterte has authorized the additional deployment of military and police on the streets and public places to suppress lawless violence. The declaration will stay “until there is a threat against the people and against the nation.”
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea citing intelligence reports said it was “difficult to say” if the worst is over after the Davao incident.
Duterte said he does not need “additional power” to ensure peace and order in the country. He said he would simply employ the existing powers of the presidency, including calling out the military to augment the police force in suppressing lawless violence.
Secure tourist spots Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, on the other hand, has ordered an increased police visibility and security on popular tourist spots nationwide.
Aside from possible bomb attack, Dela Rosa said he is also concerned about cases of kidnapping in the area of Palawan.
“For instance, Palawan and the rest of the Region 4B (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) has so many tourist spots, yet, there is also a history of kidnapping in Palawan,” said dela Rosa in his visit at the MIMAROPA regional police during the Police Service Anniversary.
“So this is what I am trying to emphasize. If it is mere bombing outside highly-urbanized areas, it would have very little impact but if it involves foreigners then it would be a different story,” he added.
Parts of the security measures are intensified police visibility and intelligence-gathering not only on the tourist spots themselves but also on the entry and exit points.
Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, director of the MIMAROPA regional police, said they have already initiated security measures after the Davao City blast.
Although there is no imminent threat in his area, Mayor said they do not take all the reports they have been receiving lightly, adding that their focus is to ensure that terror and criminal groups would not be given any chance to strike.
Dela Rosa said one of the reasons why he is going around the country is to remind police commanders not only about anti-illegal drugs operations but also on all aspect of peace and order.
“Our tourists should be safe and secure. I am going around the country because I have to see that our police are really doing their sworn mandate in line with the declaration of State of National Emergency,” said Dela Rosa. ASEAN host Meanwhile, Duterte said he would consult the military and the police if Davao City would be considered a venue of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next year.
“That will depend on the security of Davao City. I would have to listen to the military and the police for an accurate assessment. We do not want any bloody thing here,” he said.
The Philippines will host the 50th anniversary celebration of the ASEAN across 11 cities nationwide.
These events include the 30th ASEAN Summit in March and April to be held at Mactan Island, Cebu province and the 31st ASEAN Summit in August at Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga province.
During turnover ceremonies in Vientiane, Laos last Thursday, President Duterte accepted the ASEAN chairmanship for 2017 on behalf of the Filipino people. The official launch of the Philippine chairmanship will be on Jan. 5 in Davao City.
The summit will revolve around the theme: “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”. This is in keeping with the administration’s policy of change and cooperation with its closest Asian neighbors and ASEAN partner countries.
“In 2017, we, the Filipinos, are proud to welcome you to 7,107 islands of beauty, wonder and fun that will make a year of memories last a lifetime. Mabuhay at dagahang salamat,” Duterte told ASEAN leaders.