Philippine rebel group denies bombing night market

The Philippine government has accused the Abu Sayyaf militant group of being behind a bombing at a night market that killed 14 people, but the group has denied it.

President Rodrigo Duterte at the scene of the bombing in Davao. Photo: Reuters.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said thatAbu Sayyaf wants to retaliate against the government after suffering heavy casualties in its stronghold of Jojo Island.

"We predicted this and warned the military," he said.Lorenzana said in a statement.

There are reports that a spokesman forAbu Sayyaf has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Inquirer quoted him as denying the information and saying that the allied rebel groupNew Islamiyahbehind the incident

"They did it to express sympathy for our group and we are sending a message to the President.Rodrigo Duterte that all the rebels in the country are not afraid of him",Muammar Askali alias Abu Ramie declared.

Askali also warned that the bombing was the beginning of a series of similar attacks as the military continued to put pressure on the group.

The attack took place at a night market in the southern city of Davao, the President's hometown.Rodrigo Duterte, and is an area he visits frequently.

At least 14 people were killed and 60 injured.

Mr. Duterte has ordered a lockdown of the country and authorized the military and police to investigate the horrific explosion on the evening of September 2.

According to VNE