15 dead while 70 others wounded in an explosion in Davao City Philippines

The president of the Philippines declared a "state of lawlessness" Saturday after 15 people were killed and 70 more were wounded in a bomb blast.

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.

While Abu Sayyaf militants have claimed responsibility for the blast, Duterte has investigators looking at other possible suspects, like drug dealers. The president has launched a hard campaign against drug dealers since taking office.

The lawlessness declaration allows the military to work with the police to establish checkpoints and to increase patrols.

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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