(3rd Update) Davao explosion death toll reaches 14

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): (3rd Update) Davao explosion death toll reaches 14

The death toll from the explosion Friday evening at a night market along Roxas Avenue, here rose to 14, authorities said.

As of 2:00 a.m. Saturday, initial report said 14 died with dozens wounded, according to Buhangin Police Station Commander Milgrace Driz. She said the latest report came from the hospitals with three others in critical condition.

The victims were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Limso Hospital, Davao Doctors Hospital and Brokenshire Hospital.

An earlier statement from Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte confirmed that 10 victims died on the spot.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that Davao City has been placed on high alert and urged residents to cooperate with the police.

He said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has given an order to set up checkpoints/chokepoints in the city.

"The directive was for the national police to manage a detailed checkpoint all over Davao City, and we encourage all citizens to cooperate," said Andanar in a statement.

Around 10 p.m. Friday, an explosion of still-undetermined origin rocked the night market on Roxas Avenue at the corner of Padre Gomez St.

Andanar said police are still investigating the explosion.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has raised the red alert over Metro Manila.

NCRPO Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde has ordered all police district directors to tighten security especially in crowded places.

He also ordered units to maximize police visibility in airports, seaports, and train and bus terminals; and to set up security checks in malls, parks and other places where people gather on weekends.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919696