MANILA – Martial law in Mindanao could be further extended, according to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Talks about the extension surfaced after the bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday night, Medialdea said on Wednesday.
“Extending martial law is an option,” Medialdea told the press during his appearance at the House of Representatives budget hearing.
“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible … But kung ganito pa rin ang nangyari, ano’ng gagawin natin? Upo lang tayo diyan?” he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the southern major island in May last year amid the war against an Islamic State-inspired group.
Duterte extended it – with Congress’ approval – until the end of 2017, and further extended it until Dec. 31 this year.
Malacañang shares a similar view, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said. “That’s ES (Executive Secretary) speaking. Same view.”
Medialdea said the Sultan Kudarat blast was an ominous development.
“Iyong mga signs na ganito, hindi maganda yan e. Lives in danger na lang. Piyesta, pasasabugan lang. How would you feel?” said the executive secretary./PN
