By Genalyn Kabiling
It is still premature to talk about the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao despite the recent deadly blast in Sultan Kudarat, Malacañang said Friday.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte has yet to ask the military and police to submit an assessment about the security situation in Mindanao that will determine whether or not such extension is required.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque
(CAMILLE ANTE / MANILA BULLETIN) "Maaga pa po at sa takdang panahon po, hihingin ng Presidente ang paninindigan at assessment ng ating mga kasundaluhan ," Roque said in a radio interview. "At ang Presidente naman, naninindigan na ang martial law kinakailangan talaga ng factual basis. So, ngayong po ay hindi pa siya nagpapatawag at hindi pa siya humihingi ng assessment on the ground, dahil hanggang Disyembre naman po ang ating martial law ,” he added. Roque acknowledged that the military and police assessment on the Mindanao situation would be crucial to determine if the martial law proclamation will be lifted or extended. "Ultimately po, ang magde-decide niyan ay ang militar at ang ating kapulisan, dahil sila po iyong nasa ground ," he added. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea earlier said an extension of martial law in Mindanao was an "option" following the deadly attack in Sultan Kudarat. He hinted that the government would NOT just stand idly by and allow such atrocity to happen again. Three people were killed and dozens were hurt when an improvised bomb exploded near a shopping area in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last Tuesday. The explosion occurred while the residents were celebrating the town's founding anniversary. President Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017 following the attack of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City. The martial law proclamation was extended until the end of the year supposedly to suppress lawless violence and rebellion in Mindanao.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque(CAMILLE ANTE / MANILA BULLETIN) "Maaga pa po at sa takdang panahon po, hihingin ng Presidente ang paninindigan at assessment ng ating mga kasundaluhan ," Roque said in a radio interview. "At ang Presidente naman, naninindigan na ang martial law kinakailangan talaga ng factual basis. So, ngayong po ay hindi pa siya nagpapatawag at hindi pa siya humihingi ng assessment on the ground, dahil hanggang Disyembre naman po ang ating martial law ,” he added. Roque acknowledged that the military and police assessment on the Mindanao situation would be crucial to determine if the martial law proclamation will be lifted or extended. "Ultimately po, ang magde-decide niyan ay ang militar at ang ating kapulisan, dahil sila po iyong nasa ground ," he added. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea earlier said an extension of martial law in Mindanao was an "option" following the deadly attack in Sultan Kudarat. He hinted that the government would NOT just stand idly by and allow such atrocity to happen again. Three people were killed and dozens were hurt when an improvised bomb exploded near a shopping area in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last Tuesday. The explosion occurred while the residents were celebrating the town's founding anniversary. President Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017 following the attack of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City. The martial law proclamation was extended until the end of the year supposedly to suppress lawless violence and rebellion in Mindanao.