Malacañang said Thursday there are three possible courses of action that the government can do to address the twin blasts that rocked Jolo, Sulu that killed 17 people, including two suicide bombers, Monday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as different personalities made different suggestions as to how the government should respond to the recent attack.
Roque said President Duterte could just let the natural flow of things take place, declare martial law, or utilize the newly signed Anti-Terrorism Law.
"Abangan na lang po kung ano ang desisyon pero tatlo po ang alternatibo (Let's just wait for the President's decision but there are three alternatives) as is, martial law, or Anti-Terror Law," he said.
"Wala naman pong dapat ibang gawin pa kung Anti-Terror Law dahil ito naman po ay naging batas na at ipinatutupad na po natin (If it's the Anti-Terror Law, then there's nothing more to do since this is a law being implemented already)," he added.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Archie Gamboa agreed that it was wise for the government to declare martial law in Sulu following the blasts.
Some senators and even Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there was no need for another martial law since the Anti-Terrorism Law is already in effect.
Roque, however, reiterated that President Duterte is studying all recommendations.
"Lahat naman po ng rekomendasyon ay kinokonsidera ng ating Pangulo (The President is considering all recommendations)," he said.
In an interview with CNN Philippines Wednesday, Roque said that Duterte was considering declaring martial law in Sulu but added that he has to be careful in making the decision because it has to pass the scrutiny of both the legislative and judicial branches of government.