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.