Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao blast

MANILA, Philippines — Terror organization Abu Sayyaf on Saturday claimed responsibility for the explosion at a night market in Davao City that claimed the lives of at least 14 people.

The group's spokesman, Abu Rami, admitted the group was behind the blast near the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao University and a five-star hotel.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who on Saturday morning declared a nationwide "state of lawlessness," said investigators were looking at other possible suspects, including drug syndicates, which he has targeted in a bloody crackdown.

Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said authorities are on high alert after the Abu Sayyaf's announcement and the president's declaration.

"We will continue to take orders from our commander-in-chief President Rodrigo Duterte. At this time, strict measures are being implemented to avoid the repeat of the same incident," Sueno said in a statement.

The attack came as state forces were on an ongoing military offensive against the extremists in Sulu, which intensified last week after Abu Sayyaf members beheaded a kidnapped villagers.

The militants threatened to launch an unspecified attack after the military said 30 of the gunmen were killed in the weeklong offensive.

Sueno said all concerned units of the Philippine National Police and related agencies are on the lookout for "possible diversionary tactics" by the Abu Sayyaf.

Military spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the military was already anticipating the Abu Sayyaf's next attack, but not all movements of the group could be detected.

"The enemy is also adept at using the democratic space granted by our Constitution to move around freely and unimpeded to sow terror," Arevalo said.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the bomb appeared to have been made from a mortar round and doctors reported many of the victims had shrapnel wounds. — Camille Diola with reports from the Associated Press