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14 Dead, Scores Wounded in Blast in Philippines

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Philippine police officers look at dead victims after an explosion at a night market that has left about 10 people dead and wounded several others in southern Davao city, Philippines late Friday Sept. 2, 2016.
Philippine police officers look at dead victims after an explosion at a night market that has left about 10 people dead and wounded several others in southern Davao city, Philippines late Friday Sept. 2, 2016.

The president of the Philippines declared a "state of lawlessness" Saturday after 14 people were killed and scores of others were wounded in a bomb blast, some in critical condition.

The explosion Friday struck a market in Davao, the home city of President Rodrigo Duterte. The president was in Davao at the time of the explosion, but not near the market.

Abu Sayyaf militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The lawlessness declaration allows the military to work with police to establish checkpoints and increase patrols. Duterte says the armed forces, military and police "will now run the country" in accordance with his "specifications."

The explosion hit a section of a market near the high-end Marco Polo Hotel where Duterte frequently stays.

Duterte was the mayor of Davao, where he is hugely popular, for more than 22 years before assuming the presidency in June.

The Abu Sayyaf militants have declared allegiance to the Islamic State. They are known for their deadly bombings, ransom kidnappings and the beheadings of hostages.

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