The United States is ready to assist the Philippines in its ongoing investigation on the deadly blast that rocked a night market in Davao City on Friday night.
“We understand that local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion in the night market, and the United States stands ready to provide assistance to the investigation,” Ned Price, US National Security Council spokesperson, said in statement.
The US expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.
“The United States offers deep condolences to the families and other loved ones of the victims of the explosion in the Philippines’ Davao City, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” Price said.
Price said US President Barack Obama would convey his “personal condolences” to Duterte on their expected meeting at the sidelines of the Asssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Laos next week.
“The President will have an opportunity to offer his personal condolences to President Duterte next week, when the two leaders plan to meet on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Laos,” Price said.
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On Friday night, at least, 14 people were killed and 67 wounded after an explosion rocked the crowded night market on Roxas Boulevard in Davao City.
Duterte early Saturday declared “a state of lawlessness” in the Philippines to counter terrorism following the deadly blast in his home city. CDG
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