MANILA - Components of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) were found at the blast site in Davao City, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Saturday morning, quoting initial reports.

"Sa initial reports ay mayroong nakitang shrapnel from a mortar-based improvised explosive device," he told ABS-CBN News.

Andanar, however, said it cannot yet be confirmed if an IED indeed caused the explosion. "No. You can say na mayroong initial report na galing sa isang mortar-based na IED."

Andanar said police are still investigating the explosion that happened at a popular night market around 10 p.m. Friday evening, which killed at least 14 people and left dozens others injured.

Andanar added that Davao City has been placed on high alert and urged residents to cooperate with the police. He also said President Rodrigo Duterte has given an order to set up checkpoints in the city.

"The directive was for the national police to manage a detailed checkpoint all over Davao City, and we encourage all citizens to cooperate," he said.

According to local police, in addition to the 14 dead, more than 60 others were taken to different hospitals.