A September 2 blast devastated a night market in Davao City, southern Philippines, killing 14 people and injuring 67 others. ISIS ally Abu Sayyaf has taken responsibility for the bombing as "a call for unity to all mujahedeen in the country." The group warned the government to expect similar attacks in the coming days.
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a "state of lawlessness" in the Philippines as a response to the attack, a move that would give uniformed men more power to run the country. "I am declaring now a state of lawlessness. It is not martial law. It has nothing to do with the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. We [will] go about [normally], but there will be checkpoints," Duterte told reporters the morning after the attack. Before he became president, Duterte was mayor of Davao City for 10 years. Following the September 2 incident, the Philippine capital Manila was also placed on "full alert."
Father, we lift up to Your arms of comfort the families of the victims. Heal those who were injured, both physically and emotionally, calming their fears and strengthening their faith. Strengthen the Philippine government in their attempt to diffuse the power of Abu Sayyaf strongholds. We pray against acts of terrorism and for the protection of Open Doors partners and field workers, and of Muslim Background Believers in Southern Philippines. And in the midst of the current terror, we pray for many to turn from spiritual darkness to the light of Christ that a mighty voice might be raised in Your worship and praise. It is in the Name of Jesus whom we serve and worship, Amen!
