US vows support in pursuit of suspects in Davao explosion
The US government said it stands ready to assist the Duterte administration in the investigation of the Davao bombing on Friday night that killed 15 people and left 60 more people injured.
The Abu Sayyaf Group, listed by US Department of State as a global terrorist has pointed to its ally Daulat Ul Islamiya as the perpetrators of the attack in President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown and warned that it will launch more bombings across the country.
READ: Abu Sayyaf disowns Davao explosion, says ally was behind attack
Molly Koscina, spokesman of the US embassy in Manila told the Inquirer in a telephone interview that the US government stands ready to assist in the investigation to pursue those behind the bloody attacks.
“The US and the Philippines have a standing 70 years of deep bilateral cooperation in many areas and the US stands ready to assist in the investigation of the bombing,” said Koscina, in a phone interview Saturday.
“We offer condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and have the injured in our prayers,” said the US embassy official.
State of lawlessness
She added that the US government cannot comment on the state of lawlessness declared by President Duterte in response to the Davao bombing.
“We understand the authorities are investigating and the US stands ready to assist with the investigation,” the US embassy official said.
Rights lawyer, now Partylist Rep. Harry Roque said “the state of lawlessness is not a declaration of martial law, but rather merely an exercise of his calling out power.”
READ: Palace: State of lawlessness over PH constitutional
“But such declaration should not lead to the suppression of civil liberties, even though there is a tendency for the government to do so as evidenced by the arrest of Prof. Randy David in February 24, 2006 following President Arroyo’s issuance of Presidential Proclamation 1017 as implemented by General Order no.5 declaring a state of national emergency,” said Rep. Roque in a statement.
He stressed that people should remain vigilant and ensure that civil liberties continue to be protected” as President Duterte exercised his calling out power. CDG
