It's Total War, Says Philippine President after Deadly Bombing
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (news - web sites) adjusts her eyeglasses during a press conference at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, March 10, 2003. The Philippines offered 'the hand of peace' on Monday to Muslim rebels who re
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared a "state of lawlessness" in parts of the south of the country after a bomb blast at a busy port killed at least 15 people.
The declaration grants the military police powers, including the ability to detain terrorist suspects for up to 36 hours without a warrant.
The explosion Wednesday night was the second in Davao City in less than a month. Twenty-four people, including an American missionary, were killed in a Mar. 4 bomb attack at the city's airport, just a kilometer from the port.
The latest blast occurred near a passenger terminal and food stalls at the city's wharf, where many people were gathered to greet and say farewell to loved ones.
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