Lorenzana says extending martial law in Mindanao still premature
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said it is still “too early” to determine whether martial law in Mindanao will be extended following a bomb explosion in Sultan Kudarat that claimed the lives of people and left scores wounded.
READ: 2 killed, 36 hurt in Sultan Kudarat bombing
“Of course, it is an option. Bit too early in the day to make recommendation,” Lorenzana told reporters.
The defense chief said they have yet to see how things will play out in the next several months.
President Rodrigo Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017, after the Islamic State-linked Maute terrorist group launched attacks in Marawi City.
While the fighting ended after six months, Duterte asked Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao until the whole year of 2018.
Reacting to reports of bomb explosion in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday evening that left 2 killed and 36 wounded, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said another extension of martial law in Mindanao is an option. /jpv
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