Featured Explosion in Davao City Recoil Staff September 2, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. There has been an explosion in a crowded open air marketplace in Davao City in the Philippines. At least a dozen people are dead and scores wounded, with the verified numbers of each climbing as rescue personnel and emergency services continue their work. Conflicting reports have the explosion occurring sometime between 10:30pm (22h30) and 11:00 pm (23h00) local time. A spokesman from the Southern Philippine Medical Center says all the fatalities suffered multiple shrapnel injuries. The Philippine military's Eastern Command has been tasked with assisting the Philippine National Police respond and maintain order. All units have been put on alert and all Davao City Police have been recalled to duty, with days off and vacation canceled. You can follow the PNP on Facebook here. As of this writing no one has taken responsibility for the bombing and EOD personnel are on site. The blast is likely the work of either an Islamist group or a narcotics organization. Military officials are leaning towards the former, as just four days ago at least 15 soldiers were killed in fighting with Abu Sayyaf militants on Jolo Island (a little less than 600 miles from Davao City). Explains Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, “While nobody has come up to own the act we can only assume that this was perpetrated by the terrorist group Abu Sayaff that has suffered heavy casualties in Jolo in the past weeks.” The drug connection, however, cannot yet be discounted. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is originally from Davao City and his son is Vice Mayor there. Since his election just a few months ago nearly 1,000 people have been killed in anti-drug police operations. At least ten police officers have also been killed. Interestingly, the Manila Bulletin is reporting that Facebook has initiated a well-being function for people to advise their contacts they're safe (you can find that here). Davao City, named for the Davao River, is a metropolis of some 1.6 million souls toward the southern end of the archipelago, on the island of Mindanao. It is the third most populous city in the country and the largest on the island. The official city website can be found online here. A broadcast from local news: Learn more on Reuters. Cover photo courtesy CNN Philippines. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
