PNP Chief asks public to remain calm following Davao bombing

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa delivers his statement during a press conference on Saturday (Sept. 3, 2016) at the National Headquarters Camp Crame, Quezon City, in connection with the explosion that rocked Davao City Friday night. (Photo: Avito Dalan/PNA)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Saturday asked the public to remain calm yet vigilant following the bombing in Davao City Friday night that claimed the lives of 14 individuals and injured 71 others.

“We already declared full alert status last night. Meaning 100 percent of our personnel are ready to be deployed to quell any threat,” dela Rosa said during a press conference at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“We assure the public of the readiness of the PNP in addressing any threat of this nature and thwarting any attempt by threat groups,” he added.

He noted that President Rodrigo Duterte has already declared a “state of lawless violence,” directing the military to help the PNP in quelling threats.

“Baka part of narco-terrorism ito. Baka gusto nilang ma-shift ang ating attention.

Luluwag ang kanilang pakiramdam (This might be part of narco-terrorism. Maybe they wanted to shift our attention. This would give them some relief),” dela Rosa said.

He added that they are still confirming whether indeed the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was behind the bombing.

“We are not discounting the possibility that some quarters may be exploiting the situation to create hysteria and fear,” dela Rosa said.

The PNP Chief expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims of the Davao bombing.

He also said that any information may be reported through the nationwide emergency hotline 911 for immediate police assistance.