Duterte declares 'state of lawlessness'

President Rodrigo Duterte early Saturday declared “a state of lawlessness” or “a state of lawless violence” to counter terrorism and strengthen the campaign against illegal-drug trade.

Speaking in a televised interview, he clarified “it’s not martial law but it would require nationwide, well-coordinated efforts of the military and the police.”

“I have this duty to protect the country. I have this duty to keep intact the integrity of the nation,” he added.

“There will be major checkpoints, curfews,” he said.

Around 4 a.m. Saturday, Duterte visited the site of the explosion at the Davao City night market that had left 14 dead and 67 wounded, based on the latest police reports.

Duterte declares ‘state of lawlessness’ https://t.co/aYU7hqaIoC

— Inquirerdotnet (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2016