US offers help in Davao blast probe

Philippine police officers look at dead victims after an explosion at a night market that has left about 10 people dead and wounded several others in southern Davao city, Philippines late Friday Sept. 2, 2016. Regional military commander Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero says it was not immediately clear what caused the explosion. (AP Photo/Manman Dejeto)

THE UNITED States government stands ready to assist the Duterte administration in its investigation of the explosion in Davao City on Friday night that killed at least 14 people and left 67 others injured, the US Embassy in Manila said.

Molly Koscina, spokesperson at the embassy, told the Inquirer in a telephone interview the US government stood ready to help in the investigation to find out who was behind the bloody attack.

“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 on Saturday.

“We offer condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and have the injured in our prayers,” she said.

She said the US government could not comment on the state of lawlessness declared by President Duterte in response to the Davao blast.

“We understand the authorities are investigating and the US stands ready to assist with the investigation,” she reiterated.

Not martial law

Rights lawyer turned party-list Rep. Harry Roque said “the state of lawlessness is not a declaration of martial law, but rather merely an exercise of his (Mr. Duterte’s) calling out power.”

“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 professor Randy David in Feb. 24, 2006, following President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 1017 as implemented by General Order No. 5 declaring a state of national emergency,” said Roque in a statement.

He stressed that people should remain vigilant and ensure that civil liberties would continue to be protected as President Duterte exercised his calling out power.

The US offer to help in the blast probe came despite Mr. Duterte’s avowed dislike for US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg.