At least 10 dead in blast at Duterte's hometown
DAVAO CITY - At least 10 people were dead and dozens more were wounded in a blast that rocked the hometown of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Dozens of wounded people were brought to various hospitals after an explosion — possibly from an improvised explosive device or IED — rocked the crowded night market on Roxas Boulevard here on Friday night. According to Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, the casualty toll at around 11:30 pm stood at 10 dead and 60 wounded.
The Inquirer saw at least two bodies sprawled on the street.
Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, issued a statement confirming the number of dead and assuring the public that “the authorities are on top of this incident.” But he also said it was too early to determine who was behind the apparent attack. The Abu Sayyaf bandit group has recently vowed retribution against the Duterte administration for launching a major offensive against it.
Hundreds of people go to the night market which features street food, massage services and rows of ukay-ukay stalls.
The explosion happened some 100 meters away from the Ateneo de Davao University. The official AdDU Twitter account reported that the school was on lockdown. “To the students in campus, the university is on lockdown to ensure your safety. Please stay put and wait for further updates.”
The school had also converted a part of one facility into a first aid station. “The ground floor of the Community Center is currently serving as the clinic. Students and victims may seek first aid help there.”